Regulatory updates, industry perspective, and company news from The American Worker and Fringe Benefit Group.
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fringe Benefit Group, a leading provider of benefit solutions for staffing companies, restaurants, retail outlets and government contractors, today announced it has been…
Read moreRestaurant employers received clarity from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Opinion Letter FLSA-2025-03, issued September 30, 2025. The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) confirmed that “front-of-house” oyster…
Read moreSecretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced the agency intended to reduce what the Department of Labor (DOL) describes as outdated or burdensome regulations. This move is part of a broader federal initiative…
Read moreOn May 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the appointment of five new officials to the Wage and Hour Division (WHD). This team, comprising an acting administrator and four policy advisors, is…
Read moreOn May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (WHD) released a policy update that alters enforcement of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) when evaluating whether a worker is classified as an…
Read moreOn March 10, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer as the next Secretary of Labor in a 67-32 vote. As head of the U.S. Department of Labor, Chavez-DeRemer will oversee workforce policies, job training…
Read moreThe Michigan House of Representatives and Senate passed, and the Governor quickly signed, legislation to increase the state’s minimum wage.
Read moreMinimum Wage on the Rise in 2025: 21 States With Increases
Read moreManaging benefits for hourly and part-time employees—especially in the restaurant and staffing industries—comes with unique challenges. High turnover, fluctuating wages, and rising employee expectations make it…
Read moreFringe Benefit Group (FBG), an industry leader in the design, implementation and administration of benefit plans for government contractors, restaurants, retail, and staffing companies, today announced that Nick…
Read moreManaging employee benefits is a vital part of running any business, but for employers with hourly workforces, there are extra challenges that can strain resources. Traditional insurance billing methods can leave…
Read moreEffective communication of employee benefits is crucial in improving employee engagement, especially for hourly workers in the restaurant, staffing, and healthcare industries. At The American Worker, we understand…
Read moreOn April 30, 2024, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) published the final rule implementing the Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance. This ordinance, passed…
Read moreIn the dynamic landscape of health insurance, keeping abreast of regulatory changes is pivotal for brokers and clients alike. Our blog post offers a comprehensive analysis of the recent Final Rule issued by the…
Read moreAs the world grappled with the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant industry found itself at the forefront of change. From adapting to ever-changing regulations to ensuring the safety of…
Read moreIn today's rapidly evolving workforce, job turnover has reached unprecedented levels. According to Statista, almost 4.5 million people resigned from[KJ1] their jobs on average between November of 2021 and April of…
Read moreIn today’s competitive healthcare landscape, nursing homes face a constant struggle: recruiting and retaining qualified and caring staff. With high burnout rates and a growing elderly population, finding the right…
Read moreThe Department of Labor (DOL) issued a new final rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to clarify the distinction between employees and independent contractors, enhancing compliance and worker protections.…
Read moreThe U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (WHD) just released Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) No. 2024-1, addressing the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated systems on workplace practices…
Read moreThe Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to clarify the distinction between employees and independent contractors. The rule aims to enhance employers’ and…
Read moreIn October, Governor Newsom approved SB 616, which changes California's sick pay law. These modifications, slated to take effect on January 1, 2024, impact various facets of the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families…
Read moreOn November 3, 2023, the Illinois Department of Labor released proposed regulations for implementing the Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA).
Read moreOn August 4, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed into law significant amendments to the Illinois Day and Temporary Labor Services Act. These changes have far-reaching implications for both temporary laborers and the…
Read moreThe Federal Government announced in January 2023 that the National and Public Health Emergencies addressing COVID-19 will end on May 11th, 2023.
Read moreA recent report from The Department of Labor suggests that there are over one million more jobs available in the U.S. than people who are searching for them. Unemployed laborers are, therefore, becoming more…
Read moreFringe Benefit Group, Inc., an industry leader in the design, implementation and administration of benefits for hourly and part-time workers, and Century Healthcare (CHC), a north Texas-based company specializing in…
Read moreCOVID-19 Update: Business as Usual
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