Contractors

Washington – The federal government’s Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order 13673 final rule is unconstitutional and should be voided, according to a lawsuit filed Oct. 7 by Associated Builders and Contractors, its chapter in southeast Texas, and the National Association of Security Companies.

Washington – Beginning in 2017, employers with federal government contracts must provide their workers with up to seven days of paid sick leave per year, according to a Department of Labor final rule published Sept. 29.

Beginning in late October, prospective federal contractors will be required to disclose previous labor-law violations. Not surprisingly, pro-industry supporters and worker advocates are divided over the regulation’s potential impact.

Washington – The Department of Labor is offering labor-law compliance pre-assessments to all current or prospective federal contractors to help them meet new disclosure requirements laid out in President Barack Obama’s Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order.

New York – In the construction industry, contractors who invest more in worker safety achieve better bottom-line results than contractors who spend less on safety, according to the results of a recent survey.

Washington – The House Armed Services Committee recently adopted a proposed amendment that would exempt many federal defense contractors from disclosing labor law violations.

Washington – The Department of Labor should consider alternatives to its proposal that would require federal contractors to provide paid sick leave to their workers, the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy wrote in an April 6 letter.

Washington – Small-business owners are voicing concerns that a proposed Department of Labor rule requiring federal contractors to provide their workers with paid sick leave would be burdensome.

Washington – OSHA has updated its guidance document on trenching and excavation activities to include a section on the employer bidding process.

Lansing, MI – Michigan OSHA has launched a Local Emphasis Program targeting enforcement activities on industries that recently have experienced an increase in injuries and illnesses.