All posts by Mina Dixon

Introduction to Overtime

The U.S. Department of Labor on May 18 announced new overtime regulations outlining which employees are entitled to time-and-half overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The final rule, effective Dec. 1, 2016, bumps the standard salary threshold at which executive, administrative, and professional workers are entitled to overtime pay from $23,660 to $47,476 per year.

The change to the rule means that millions of workers — including single mom Elizabeth Paredes, who was previously locked out of overtime at her job as the assistant manager of a sandwich shop – will either gain overtime protections or receive … Read more

Credit Report Issues Briefing

How employers use credit reports

A person’s history of paying off debts such as car payments, mortgage debt, student loans, credit card accounts, and other repayments is summed up in a credit report. Credit reports help lenders determine whether to offer a prospective borrower a loan, as well as what interest rate to offer. However, data suggest that it is common for employers to use a potential hire’s personal credit report to justify hiring decisions. In fact, a 2013 survey found that credit checks have become a barrier to employment for some, with 1 in 10 of survey respondents … Read more

Consumer Protection Briefing

Consumer protection overview

American shoppers are projected to spend an estimated $462.95 on gifts for family members this holiday season, according to reports from the National Retail Federation. Some shoppers, swayed by a salesperson’s well-meaning exaggeration, may be disappointed by the goods they buy. Some shoppers may even believe they have been deceived by sellers who have gone beyond mere overstatement. Of these unsatisfied customers, some may choose to pursue legal action.

When shoppers are duped by defective products or dishonest business practices, they may rely on private action and a complex web of state and federal consumer protection … Read more