In response to a request for comments from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), ż submitted comments regarding proposed changes to the employer reporting requirements for federal contractors as outlined by the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA).
On April 8, President Obama took two executive actions that will impact federal contractors. First, the president signed an executive order (EO) that will require federal contractors to allow their employees to discuss their earnings with one another. Second, the president signed a presidential memorandum (PM) instructing the U.S. Secretary of Labor to issue new regulations requiring federal contractors to submit to the Department of Labor (DOL) data on compensation paid to their employees, including by sex and race.
In response to requests from contractors, OFCCP posted to its website both the English and Spanish versions of the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability form, required by the new regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 503). The form is available in .pdf and Word formats. The English language version of the form was previously made available, although not in an editable format.
ż recently hosted a webinar on the implications of one of the most talked-about state laws sweeping across the country, legalized marijuana and its impact on the construction industry. A recording of the webinar is available in the ż Bookstore.
"The ż Alternative: A Private Insurance Exchange" to Debut as Early as Summer 2014
ż of America is planning to launch a new private insurance exchange in cooperation with Willis North America this summer. The new exchange, which will be called “The ż Alternative,” will allow member firms to deliver better health insurance and related benefits to their employees at a lower cost.
On March 6, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued two new technical assistance guides addressing workplace rights and responsibilities with respect to religious dress and grooming. The EEOC is responsible for enforcing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which covers religious protections, in addition to race, color, sex, national origin, and genetic information, in employment.
Revised regulations addressing affirmative action obligations of federal contractors in the employment of individuals with disabilities (IWDs) took effect on March 24 as scheduled, following a failed legal challenge by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). On March 21, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia denied ABC’s request to enjoin the new rule, rejecting each of the associations many arguments.
Once again, HR and Training Professionals in the Construction Industry will come together in October for ż’s Construction HR and Training Professionals Conference. The Conference will take place Oct. 15-17 in Phoenix, Ariz. at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Information about the event is located on the ż website. Registration will open in the Spring.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (DE, NJ, PA, VI) recently upheld the National Labor Relations Board’s conclusion that Sheet Metal Local Union No. 27 violated Section 8(b)(4)(ii)(D) of the National Labor Relations Act when it pursued a federal lawsuit against a general contractor that complied with the Board’s 10(k) order instead of the contractual work assignment provisions of a project labor agreement.
On March 13, President Obama signed a presidential memorandum directing the Secretary of Labor to propose changes to regulations governing which employees are entitled to overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).