Executive Order Adds Anti-DEI Clause to Federal Contracts
On March 26, 2026, the Trump Administration issued an executive order, “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors,” in its continuing efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and practices in U.S. businesses. This order: (1) directs all agencies to ensure within 30 days of the date of the order that all contracts for […]
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USDOL Launches OSHA Cares Initiative
The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) has launched the OSHA Cares Initiative, which focuses on helping businesses meet federal workplace safety requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The OSHA Cares site offers information on: For more information, see the USDOL press release.
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USDOL Proposes Revised Employee and Independent Contractor Classification Rule
On Feb. 26, 2026, the U.S Department of Labor (USDOL) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise its analysis for distinguishing between employees and independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Specifically, the USDOL is proposing to formally rescind a 2024 rule that it last year had already announced it would no […]
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USDOL Offers National Agricultural Seminar, March 24
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Wage & Hour Division (WHD) in coordination with other federal agencies, the 2026 National Agricultural Seminar is a hybrid seminar on “Protecting America’s Agriculture Workers.” The focus will be on federal regulations governing agricultural employment, including: Topics include: This free event will be held March 24, 2026, […]
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EEOC Rescinds 2024 Harassment Guidance
On January 22, 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted 2-1 to rescind its “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace,” which was approved in 2024. The EEOC said in a press release that this “does not give employers license to engage in unlawful harassment,” and that federal employment laws against discrimination, harassment, and […]
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WHD Offers FMLA Compliance Resources on Video
As the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) turns 33 this year, the U.S. Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division (WHD) is offering FMLA compliance resources in a video series to address common FMLA questions and provide guidance on leave requirements, including: View the video series here; segments are brief (between 2 and 5 minutes […]
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USDOL Publishes Six New Opinion Letters
The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Wage & Hour Division (WHD) recently published six new opinion letters on the following Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) issues: An opinion letter provides employers with the USDOL’s official written opinion of how a particular WHD law applies to a specific set of […]
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Keep Minimum Wage Increase in Mind When Calculating Tip Credit
Tipped employees in Hawaii may be paid below the minimum wage if the tipped employee customarily and regularly receives more than $20 a month in tips and the combined amount of wages and tips is more than the applicable minimum wage as specified by the current table. Under current Hawaii wage and hour law, employers may […]
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Hawaii’s Minimum Wage Increased to $16 Per Hour Effective January 1, 2026
As previously posted, pursuant to Act 114 signed into law in 2022, the Hawaii minimum wage has increased to $16 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. This is the third step in a series of scheduled increases; the minimum wage will incrementally increase to $18 per hour on January 1, 2028. Be sure your 2026 […]
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HR Checklist for 2026 HR Operations
Update your operating systems for 2026 to reflect new employment laws and guidelines, including the following: Taxable Wage Base (per employee) $64,500 Tax Rate for New Employers 2.40% Maximum Tax Rate 5.60% Employment and Training Assessment (E&T) Rate 0.01% Maximum Weekly Benefit Amount $868 https://labor.hawaii.gov/dcd/files/2025/12/2026-Maximum-Weekly-Wage-Base.pdf
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