In a recent letter responding to an inquiry regarding the proposed merger between OFCCP and EEOC, Acting OFCCP Director Tom Dowd detailed the regulatory requirements to undertake a merger, which would take effect in 2019. He also suggested interim alternatives exist to achieve the efficiencies intended by the merger, implying the proposed merger is
Laura A. Mitchell
As co-leader of the firm’s ESG group, Laura Mitchell partners with her clients to evaluate, set, achieve and monitor their organizational culture and human capital goals. She focuses her practice on data analytics, including pay equity and other employee analytics, working side-by-side with employers to build programs that benefit employees and create a stable, high-functioning workplace. Understanding that an inclusive, values-based culture provides a crucial competitive advantage in the modern workplace, Laura enjoys counseling companies on the development of proactive and equitable pay and diversity practices.
In Laura’s version of the reimagined workplace, attention to human capital issues, especially DEI and pay equity, would be the rule rather than the exception nationwide and she works with companies across all industries—both new and well-established multi-national organizations of all sizes—to realize this vision for her clients’ ongoing success. She helps clients understand all issues across the spectrum of their journey, helping to establish regular analyses as well as counseling organizations on implementation and compliance obligations, where applicable. Committed to putting her clients’ organizational goals first and foremost, Laura views herself as an extension of her clients’ team, responsible for providing proactive guidance and engaging in transparent, ongoing communication.
Laura also represents companies in OFCCP matters, preparing for and defending OFCCP audits, and counseling employers on issues stemming from OFCCP regulations. She personally oversees the development of hundreds of Affirmative Action Plans for clients each year and is intimately involved in the defense of OFCCP audits. Her approach to compliance is one of facilitation and conciliation while simultaneously advocating in the best interests of her clients.
BREAKING NEWS: Pay Data Reporting Obligation Postponed Indefinitely
We have learned the Office of Information Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has decided to postpone indefinitely effectiveness of the newly created pay data reporting component of the annual EEO-1 report. In a letter addressed to Acting EEOC Chair, Victoria Lipnic, OIRA explained it has stayed the effectiveness of the new obligation to take time…
OFCCP Announces Dates for Contractor Town Hall Meetings
Following up on Interim Director Tom Dowd’s recent commitment for more agency transparency and communication, OFCCP has announced three upcoming town hall meetings. In its announcement, OFCCP stated the purpose of the town halls were to obtain contractor views and learn about contractor experiences implementing and managing nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity requirements to…
EEOC Update from ILG National Conference
Day two of the 2017 ILG National Conference is in the books. Conference attendees had a variety of sessions to choose from that covered topics across the spectrum. The morning, however, kicked-off with a much anticipated keynote address from Acting EEOC Commissioner Victoria Lipnic. Commission Lipnic spoke at last year’s conference, prior to…
Greetings from San Antonio – Home of the 2017 ILG National Conference
Hello everyone and welcome to Texas!
While activities technically started yesterday with pre-conference sessions and the vendor reception last night, today is the official start of the 2017 ILG National Conference. The conference kicked-off with a live Mariachi Band and festive dancers in brightly colored traditional outfits – a great welcome to San Antonio for…
Important Clarification Received Regarding 2018 VETS-4212 Filings
It’s that time of year again to start preparing for the annual required VETS-4212 filing. Nothing will change for this year (2017) reporting cycle. Starting August 1, 2017, contractors will be able to file their 2017 reports through the reporting portal. Note, anything filed before August 1, 2017 will be recorded as part of…
What’s on OFCCP’s Agenda?
The short answer to this question is not much, or so it seems.
Part of the reason for this is likely the fact we are still awaiting selection of a new OFCCP Director. Deputy OFCCP Director Thomas M. Dowd currently continues in the position of Acting Director and we’ve not heard any news regarding…
Breaking News: EEOC/OFCCP Proposed Merger Resulting in Unexpected Allies
As we speculated yesterday, the White House’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2018 proposes to merge the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
In the proposed budget, released this morning, the OFCCP would see its budget reduced from $105 million to approximately $88 million and have…
Is a Merger of OFCCP and EEOC on the Horizon?
In February 2017, we speculated whether the Trump Administration would eliminate the OFCCP as a possible cost-cutting measure. The discussion has continued since that time, and has, in the past weeks gathered more interest.
The latest on the topic of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ (OFCCP) fate stems from a recommendation by the…
Department of Labor to Recognize Employers Who Recruit, Employ Veterans
Coming out of the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act), signed by President Trump on May 5, the U.S Department of Labor has created the HIRE Vets Medallion Program. The program will award employers who “recruit, retain, and employ veterans, and who offer charitable services in support…