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�۽�ֱ��’s volunteers are valued members who work to address industry issues, exchange ideas, and lead change to advance the industry. You and your colleagues are invited to take the next step in your �۽�ֱ�� journey and join the volunteer pool. Complete or update the volunteer tab in your member profile by October 1 to let us know what volunteer opportunities you are interested in. Beginning in 2024, there are both longer-term committee volunteer positions and shorter-term volunteer opportunities available. Make the time commitment that works for you.

The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB” or “Board”) in a ruling issued on Aug. 2 changed the law again on employee handbooks by modifying the legal standards that have provided a commonsense solution for evaluating workplace misconduct rules for the past six years. The decision in Stericycle, Inc. will dramatically impact employers across the country, leading many to once again modify their handbooks to ensure compliance with the latest NLRB mandates. While some employers already review their handbooks on a yearly basis, it may be important to do so more frequently in light of this ruling – and the additional decisions and guidance memos that are expected in the months and years to come. Here’s what you need to know about the decision and how your policies may need to be updated.

Texas and Arkansas Top Lists of Year-over-Year Gains, While Colorado, North Dakota Record the Worst Losses; Texas and Nebraska Lead in Monthly Job Increases, While Washington and Maine Experience Largest Declines

Overview: The Office of Federal Contract Compliances Programs (OFCCP) issued revised final Pre-Enforcement Notice and Conciliation Procedures on August 4, 2023, which substantially altered the standards by which those contractors’ efforts will be evaluated in compliance reviews. The revised regulation culminates a process to rescind the existing rule that began a mere 15 months after the prior regulation was promulgated. The new rule becomes effective on Sept. 5, 2023.

Agencies have delayed permits until changes are final

�۽�ֱ�� of America has released a new state-by-state guide on wage theft laws. The comprehensive resource features information on wage theft laws from across the country in a user-friendly format not widely available from any other source. �۽�ֱ�� members can access the Wage Theft Guide for free on �۽�ֱ��’s website.

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced their massive final rule “Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations.” The expected effective date is October 23, 2023.

Construction Material Prices Remain Mostly Flat in the Month of July; Buy America Rules Remain an Ongoing Challenge for Firms as They Try to Find Materials that Comply

On August 1, the proposed rule on Sustainable Procurement was issued that will, among other things, require all federal agencies to prioritize the procurement of sustainable products and services “to the maximum extent practicable.” While the proposed rule largely consolidates existing requirements for federal agencies and federal contractors, the proposed rule allows for greater enforcement by contracting officers. Currently, federal agencies are required to ensure that 95 percent of new contracts use products or services that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, biobased, environmentally preferable, non-ozone depleting, or made with recovered materials. Additionally, the proposed rule directs federal agencies to follow EPA’s Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. Public comments are due October 2, 2023.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) just announced a massive final rule “Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations.” The final rule extensively updates regulations issued under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts that set forth rules for the administration and enforcement of the Davis-Bacon labor standards that apply to Federal and federally assisted construction projects.