According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) fiscal year 2026 proposed budget, the Department is set to fully eliminate the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) next fiscal year, which begins October 1, 2025. The budget proposal aligns with the current administration’s broader efforts to shut down the OFCCP and its authority
U.S. Department of Labor
Catherine Eschbach Appointed as New OFCCP Director
Posted in Agency Personnel Changes, Uncategorized
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that Catherine Eschbach will be the new Director of OFCCP, taking over for Acting Director Michael Schloss.
Director Eschbach comes from private practice as an Appellate attorney at Morgan Lewis, representing clients in complex matters. Prior to private practice, Director Eschbach clerked for Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod of…
Michael Schloss Appointed OFCCP Deputy Director for Policy, to Act in Acting Director Role
By Laura A. Mitchell & Michelle L. Duncan on
Posted in Agency Update
OFCCP’s website reflects Michael Schloss has been appointed to the Deputy Director for Policy Role within the Agency. Michele Hodge, former Acting Director is listed as Deputy Director while the Director role remains vacant. The Deputy Director for Policy would traditionally act in an Acting Director role in this type of situation. As such, the…
Proposed Budget Seeks to Cut DOL Funds
By Laura A. Mitchell on
Posted in Uncategorized
The highly anticipated proposed budget released today by the White House included expected budget cuts for the U.S. Department of Labor. While cutting funds for the DOL, the proposed budget did not resurrect the previously raised possible merger of OFCCP and EEOC.
The President’s FY2019 Budget for the Department of Labor starts with the…
Breaking News: New OFCCP Director Identified
By Laura A. Mitchell on
Posted in Agency Personnel Changes
The U.S. Department of Labor has quietly identified a new Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. An industry news outlet is reporting DOL has confirmed Ondray T. Harris will be the new head of the agency. A new update to OFCCP’s website lists him as the Director of the Agency. Interim…
Still No New Director for OFCCP
By Laura A. Mitchell on
Posted in Agency Personnel Changes
As of today, OFCCP remains without a new director. According to Bloomberg News, an industry news outlet, the Department of Labor has confirmed Craig Leen has begun work as a “senior advisor” within OFCCP. No additional information regarding his role was provided. We will provide additional updates and details as we learn them.
BREAKING NEWS: Craig Leen Anticipated To Be New OFCCP Director
In an unexpected, but much awaited move, it is anticipated Craig Leen will be named as the new head of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”). While the Department of Labor has not formally confirmed or commented on this development, Leen’s appointment would come more than a year after Patricia Shiu departed the…
Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors Increased Effective January 1, 2018
By Laura A. Mitchell on
Posted in Uncategorized
Effective January 1, 2018, the minimum wage for federal contractors working on or in connection with contracts covered by Executive Order 13658 will be $10.35/ hour. The announcement was made via posting in the federal register on September 15, 2017. The wage rate for tipped employees will also increase to $7.25/hour.
This is the third…
Department of Labor to Recognize Employers Who Recruit, Employ Veterans
By Laura A. Mitchell on
Posted in Compliance Tip
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…
Confirmation Hearing Set for Secretary of Labor Nominee
By Laura A. Mitchell on
Posted in Uncategorized
The confirmation hearing for President Trump’s second Secretary of Labor nominee, Alex Acosta, has been set for March 15.
Acosta was nominated after President Trump’s initial nominee, Andrew Puzder withdrew from consideration following growing controversy.
While nothing prevents Acosta’s confirmation hearing from being postponed, as Puzder’s was several times before his eventual withdrawal, there does…