Compliance Stuff

Just days into the newest Congressional session, a key Republican Senator shocked many employers by pushing for a law that would significantly tilt the playing field to the benefit of unions and labor advocates. Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) “Pro-Worker Framework,” revealed on January 10, calls for pro-labor changes historically advocated for by Democrats and mirrors many aspects of the proposed PRO Act that has been long championed by labor leaders. Is this the beginning of a true labor revolution that will upend the traditional status quo, a plan destined to go nowhere, or something in between? Here are the seven key sections of the proposal and our thoughts about what to expect in the coming months. Quick Background We’ve seen many signs that the incoming administration and certain Republican lawmakers will take a more populist and worker-friendly approach than has been associated with conservative policymakers in the past. Not only did the President-elect nominate a  self-avowed...

America has made it across the finish line for the 47th time: Donald Trump has been elected the country's new president. The 2024 presidential election is set to have far-reaching implications for both employers and employees in the United States. For employers, a new president will directly impact labor laws and workplace regulations. For employees, the stakes are equally high; workers will likely see changes in wage standards, benefits, and job security. Here there are several areas related to labor and employment law where President-elect Trump may focus once he is sworn in, in January. Governing Philosophy While a president is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws passed by Congress, he also appoints a cabinet to head 15 federal agencies, which are responsible for the administration of federal laws. The president also appoints thousands of political appointees, most of whom do not require confirmation by any other branch of government. In short, the president has a l...

  The  Beltway Buzz  is a weekly update summarizing labor and employment news from inside the Beltway and clarifying how what’s happening in Washington, D.C., could impact your business. DNC Platform Previews Democratic Policy Priorities.  The Democratic Party held its national convention this week in Chicago, Illinois, and workplace issues featured prominently in the party’s agenda. These workplace issues will undoubtedly be a focus of the Harris/Walz presidential campaign leading up to Election Day, and they will likely be policy priorities in the event that the Democratic ticket wins the White House in 2025. Here are a few tidbits that we picked up during the convention: Labor Unions. Political appointments . Officials from labor unions such as the AFL-CIO, United Autoworkers, Communications Workers of America, Service Employees International Union, Laborers’ International Union of North America, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers all had brie...