The Department of Labor (DOL) released its long-awaited rule revising the guidelines for determining independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This final rule rescinds the one enacted under the Trump administration and replaces it with an analysis that DOL claims is “more consistent with the FLSA as interpreted by longstanding judicial precedent.” In its December 2022 comment letter, IEC urged the retention of the Trump-era policy, opposing DOL’s revision due to its complexity and confusion. IEC is reviewing the rule, which takes effect March 11, 2024, and will be working to provide resources to help members with compliance. For highlights of the final rule, click here. 

The Occupation Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)’s rule for the Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses took effect on January 1, 2024. The rule requires “high-hazard industries” with 100 or more employees any time during the previous calendar year to submit Form 300-Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses and Form 301-Injury and Illness Incident Report, in addition to the OSHA Form 300A, to OSHA once per year. The data collected from OSHA Forms 300A, 300, and 301 will be made available to the public, with limitations on the data made available from Form 301. The due date to submit this information is March 2, 2024. 

Save the date for the IEC Policy Conference taking place June 10 - 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. More information to come! 

Thanks to all members and chapters that sponsored the Freedom Fund in 2023! With an administration that keeps enacting policies that negatively impact the merit shop, IEC will continue to need a strong Freedom Fund to help educate members, as well as fight these proposals. IEC hopes you’ll join its sponsorship list in 2024, which can be done by clicking here.