As a business owner and employer, it is crucial that you understand all the wage and hour regulations that are required in the USVI as they are significantly different than the federal overtime requirements exist so you do not infringe on your employees’ rights. One of the issues to familiarize yourself with is when you
A new lawsuit filed by six residents of the Virgin Islands and Guam is challenging laws that prohibit territorial residents from voting for president and a Congressional representative with voting powers, according to a news release from the nonprofit civil rights group Equally American.
Plaintiffs in the Virgin Islands include Ravi Nagi and Laura Castillo
On June 15, 2020, the United States Supreme Court issued a landmark decision regarding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”). Title VII is the federal anti-discrimination statute protecting employees from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. The decision, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, expanded protections
The U.S. Department of Labor recently issued guidance on the exemption for small businesses which excludes them from the provisions of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act within the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). The FFCRA applies to all employers with less than 500 employees,
Pursuant to the Territories’ efforts to combat the potential spread and impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), on March 13, the Hon. Governor Bryan declared a State of Emergency Executive Order and authorized DLCA to issue a Price Freeze on all items and goods in the Territory, and subsequently issued a Supplemental Executive Order on
On March 18, 2020 the U.S. federal government enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”), in its efforts to address the deleterious effects the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the economy and in particular employers and their employees. The FFCRA applies to all employers with less than 500 employees; however, there is an
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFRCA”) goes into effect in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the entire nation today, April 1st, to Dec. 31, 2020. The FFCRA provides for paid sick leave and paid FMLA leave for employees of covered employers that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For further details on the
The hiring of brand new employees is a big step for small businesses—it marks a significant growth milestone for your company, as well as some extra responsibilities for your company with regard to finances and management.
Continue Reading A Simple Checklist for Hiring New Employees
There are many types of industries in which hiring independent contractors is a big part of a company’s business model. There are some benefits to working with independent contractors, but as with any type of hiring practice, it’s important to make sure you abide by all the federal and territorial rules and plan out the hiring in a way that protects your company.
With this in mind, here are some tips for hiring independent contractors to your company.Continue Reading Tips for Hiring Independent Contractors
Employee handbooks or manuals are frequently used in corporate settings to provide an overview of employee responsibilities and rights, as well as certain company regulations. The purpose of these manuals is twofold: to ensure all employees are aware of their rights and obligations, and to protect the company in the event of labor lawsuits.
Continue Reading What to Include in Your Employee Handbook