In a much anticipated decision, Judge Amos Mazzant, United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Texas, issued a nationwide injunction prohibiting the Department of Labor from implementing the regulations that were to take effect on December 1 for the new salary thresholds for exempt, so-called “white collar” employees. Judge Mazzant found that the injunction preserves the status quo while he rules on the ultimate merits as to whether the Department of Labor has the authority to promulgate the salary thresholds. Specifically, he noted that if the salary thresholds are determined to be valid, then this injunction only delays the implementation of those thresholds.
So for employers poised to increase salaries for its exempt employees next week, there is (at least temporary) relief.
