Agreements

Rising Opposition to Restrictive Covenant Agreements Sparks Federal and State Actions: Impact on Companies and Employees Revealed

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MILWAUKEE, WI – The use of restrictive covenant agreements by companies to safeguard their business interests is facing scrutiny from federal and state governments. Despite bipartisan efforts in Congress falling short, federal agencies and state legislatures are actively pursuing measures to limit the implementation of such agreements. In 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) released their Antitrust Guidance for Human Resource Professionals, focusing on no-poaching and wage-fixing agreements that fall under antitrust law. This guidance allowed employers to defend their restrictive covenants by proving the necessity of protecting legitimate business … Read more

Justice Prevails: Landmark Supreme Court Ruling Reveals the High Stakes of Contractual Negligence and the Importance of Written Agreements

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APIA, Samoa – A legal battle between businessman Alapati Brown and lawyer Pau Mulitalo over a failed business deal has concluded with a Supreme Court judgment. The court awarded Brown nominal damages of $200 tala, significantly less than the $733,000 he had initially sought. This case highlights the critical importance of written contracts in business transactions, shedding light on the complexities and consequences of contractual negligence. The dispute dates back to May 2015 when Brown and Mulitalo entered into an agreement to construct a single-storey shop in Lalovaea. However, the project quickly unraveled, leading to … Read more

Major Employment Law Changes Coming in 2024 for Connecticut Employers: Overtime, Noncompete Agreements, and More

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Hartford, Connecticut – Employers in Connecticut should be aware of new federal and state employment laws set to take effect in 2024, as well as other significant developments on the horizon. These changes will have implications for various aspects of the workplace, including overtime requirements, noncompete agreements, workplace discrimination claims, minimum wage increases, unemployment compensation, and sick leave policies. The federal Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed raising the minimum salary level for overtime exemption from $684 per week ($35,568 annually) to $1,059 per week ($55,068 annually). Additionally, the DOL aims to increase the annual … Read more