Final Blacklisting Rule Goes To OMB, Employers Brace For Other Key Rules

Employment Law, Inclusion and Diversity

The final flurry of Obama workplace regulations is set for the coming months with the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces (a.k.a., "Blacklisting") Executive Order, DOL overtime expansion and EEOC wellness rules all in their final stages.  This week, the final blacklisting rules were sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final review before publication. Meanwhile, the overtime rules are residing at the OMB for final review as well.  The final EEOC wellness rules, defining when an employer's program is "voluntary" for purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, are expected to be published next week.  Also pending at OMB is the final rule updating the affirmative action requirements for gender discrimination for federal contractors.  Finally, one additional key final rule expected by year's end will implement President Obama's executive order requiring paid leave for federal contractors.  This was touted this week by Secretary Thomas Perez at a DOL event highlighting policies of companies currently providing generous leave benefits.