Labor & Employment

Restaurant Franchise Overtime Violations - IHOP Franchises in NC and SC

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $95,095 in back wages for 33 cooks at three IHOP franchise locations in North and South Carolina. The investigation found Foothills Hospitality LLC, Sandhill Hospitality LLC, and Highland Hospitality LLC violated overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act by paying straight time instead of time-and-a-half for hours exceeding 40 per week. The employers also falsified payroll records by listing overtime wages as bonuses.

Cintas Westland wins MVPP Star workplace safety award

MIOSHA awarded Cintas Corporation K15 in Westland the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star Award, recognizing exemplary workplace safety and health management. The facility employs 95 workers and provides contamination control garment processing services supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and electronics industries. Only 29 worksites across Michigan currently hold MVPP Star status, MIOSHA's highest workplace safety recognition.

Withdrawal of Administrative Law Judges Proposed Rule

OPM has withdrawn its 2020 proposed rule (85 FR 59207) that would have revised regulations governing the appointment and employment of administrative law judges. The withdrawal is effective April 2, 2026. OPM cited that the public comments received are over five years old and that agencies have already implemented Executive Order 13843 as reasons for the withdrawal.

Federal Employee Performance Appraisal Rule - Citation Correction

OPM issued a correction on March 26, 2026, to its proposed rule on performance appraisal for General Schedule, Prevailing Rate, and certain other federal employees. The correction updates a missing Federal Register citation in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section, changing the placeholder '90 FR xxxxx (MM, DD, YYYY)' to the correct citation '91 FR 10904 (March 5, 2026)'. This administrative correction does not alter any substantive requirements or the scope of the proposed rule.

Information Collection Request for Life Insurance Prohibited Transaction Exemption 92-6

The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting an Information Collection Request (ICR) to OMB for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act regarding PTE 92-6, which exempts employee benefit plans from prohibited transaction restrictions when selling individual life insurance or annuity contracts. Public comments on this ICR are invited through May 4, 2026.

ERISA Employee Benefit Plan Claims Procedure - Information Collection Request

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR) to OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act regarding ERISA employee benefit plan claims procedures. The ICR covers requirements for plans to provide claimants with written denial notices containing specific reasons, plan provisions references, and appeal instructions. Public comments are requested by May 4, 2026.

Mine Safety Modification Decisions

MSHA published a notice listing petitions for modification of mandatory mine safety standards that were granted between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. The notice covers three granted petitions involving 3M Company (Corona Plant, California) and Mach Mining LLC (Mach #1 Mine, Illinois). The affected regulations include 30 CFR 56.13020 (compressed air) and 30 CFR 75.500(d) and 75.507-1(a) (electrical equipment standards).

Marfork Coal petitions MSHA for safety standard modifications

MSHA published a notice of a petition for modification filed by Marfork Coal Company, LLC requesting a variance from 30 CFR 75.500(d) to permit use of a 3M Versaflow TR-800-HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator motor/blower and battery at the Glen Alum Tunnel Mine in West Virginia. The petition claims no battery-powered respirators currently meet MSHA permissibility standards for use in potentially explosive underground atmospheres. MSHA is soliciting public comments on the petition by May 4, 2026.

Petition for Modification of Coarse Coal Refuse Backfill Standards

MSHA published a notice seeking public comments on a petition for modification submitted by Kepler Processing Company, LLC regarding 30 CFR 77.214(a) (Refuse Piles; general). The petitioner requests approval to use coarse coal refuse as backfill material for five mine openings at the inactive Road Fork Development Company—Kepler Sewell Mine in West Virginia. Comments are due by May 4, 2026.

Mountain Coal Company Modification Petition for Trailing Cable Requirements

MSHA published a notice seeking public comment on a petition for modification from Mountain Coal Company, LLC regarding trailing cable requirements at the West Elk Mine in Colorado. The petitioner requests authorization to use 1,100 feet of No. 2 AWG G-GC trailing cable for shuttle cars and mobile roof bolters operating at 995 volts AC. Comments must be submitted by May 4, 2026.