The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published its final rule implementing the paid sick leave executive order requiring federal contractors to provide up to seven days' paid sick leave to their employees. The final rule will go into effect for new solicitations issued on or after January 1, 2017.

Last month, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected a request by industry groups to overturn a Department of Energy (DOE) rule setting energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigerators.

The Obama administration released finalized fuel efficiency standards for medium and heavy-duty trucks that require up to a 25% reduction in carbon emissions for big tractor-trailers over the next 10 years, and smaller improvements for delivery trucks, school buses and other large vehicles.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Division, released a new guide for employers and human resource specialists.

The long-awaited final rule and guidance implementing the “Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces” executive order was published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2016.

Members of Congress are back in their states for the month of August and then again in October. This is an ideal time for metalcasters and suppliers across the country to host their representatives and senators for educational tours at their facilities.

The U.S. launched a trade enforcement action against China’s export duties on nine key metals and minerals at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) maximum penalties are set to rise by 78% as part of the federal penalty adjustments mandated by Congress and signed into law last year.

The bill amends the Clean Air Act by revising the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) program.

Metalcasters are encouraged to take a survey by close of business July 1 to help fight the proposed regulations.