Special guest, Victoria Lipnic , former EEOC Commissioner and Acting Chair who now is a Partner at Resolution Economics and leader of the firm’s Human Capital Strategy Group, joins FortneyScott attorneys, David Fortney and H. Juanita Beecher, to discuss the latest EEOC developments. Under the leadership of President Trump’s Acting Chair Andrea Lucas, the EEOC has been busy implementing the Administration’s agenda. This has included President Trump’s Executive Orders announcing forebearance on disparate impact enforcement, focusing on “Illegal DEI,” removing guidance and materials relating to gender identity, and focusing on religious discrimination, anti-Semitism, and anti-Christian bias. We also will discuss the status of the two announced nominations for EEOC commissioners and staffing of critical positions at the agency.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has launched a new Opinion Letter Program , expanding its compliance assistance for workers, employers, and stakeholders seeking clarity on federal labor laws. This initiative enhances guidance on workplace legal requirements by providing official interpretations from five key enforcement agencies. FortneyScott has extensive experience securing opinion letters, and the Firm has successfully obtained significant DOL opinion letters in the past. What Employers Need to Know Through this program, employers can receive official written interpretations of labor laws as they apply to specific workplace situations. The following agencies will issue tailored guidance: Wage and Hour Division (WHD): Provides opinion letters on wage, hour, and employment law matters. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Issues letters of interpretation on workplace safety regulations. Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA): Publishes advisory opinions and information letters on employee benefits compliance. Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS): Releases opinion letters related to veteran employment laws. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA): Offers compliance assistance through the new MSHA Information Hub, featuring regulatory updates and training resources. Why It Matters Opinion letters provide clarity, consistency, and transparency in federal labor law enforcement. Employers can use them as reliable legal guidance to ensure adherence to wage, benefits, and safety requirements, reducing the risk of noncompliance and potential litigation. Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling emphasized that “opinion letters are an important tool in ensuring workers and businesses alike have access to clear, practical guidance.” Next Steps for Employers To leverage this resource, employers can: Explore previously issued guidance . Contact your FortneyScott attorney should you need any assistance in submitting a request for an opinion letter or compliance guidance. This program presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to navigate complex employment laws with authoritative insights from federal agencies. Employers should consider requesting opinion letters when facing regulatory uncertainties to strengthen compliance efforts