Tag: industry regulation

Labor Department Gives DoD Contractors New Guidelines for Fighting Gender Discrimination

New DoD Regulations to Fight Gender Discrimination
New DoD Regulations to Fight Gender Discrimination

For the first time in 46 years, the U.S. Department of Labor has updated the regulations regarding sexual discrimination for defense contractors and all other federal contractors. Covering issues like pregnancy of employees and transgender status, the new rules apply to any federal contractor that receives a minimum of $10,000 from government contracts in a one-year time frame. Also covered are unlawful employment practices that treat women differently than men in the workplace.

Today’s workplace and legal landscape

It’s imperative that corporations embrace diversity in the workplace to protect all employees from any form of discrimination and a hostile work environment. To minimize the possibility of injuries to personnel and to help them complete their work efficiently, DJ Products, Inc. provides a full line of DOD contracting equipment. Designed specifically for the unique demands of defense contractors, this powerful equipment is easy to maneuver and it operates quietly. The BombCaddy offers dual-mode, remote-controlled power to intricately maneuver up to 5,000 lbs around tight areas and heavy equipment.

Federal contractors have no reason to feel uncomfortable about the newly adopted rules. Most DOD contractors and other company owners are already making decisive efforts to eradicate outdated stereotypes. These updated regulations help address any lingering issues of pay discrimination or uncertainty about dealing with gender identity and transgender status.

At DJ Products, our goal is to provide electric and motorized solutions that will eliminate strains from attempting to push or pull heavy loads. To learn more about our walk-behind and remote controlled DOD contracting equipment, contact us today to speak with one of our equipment specialists about solutions tailored to your business.

Prepare for Red Tape; Regulation Is Back in Vogue

As President-elect Obama prepares to take office, there’s a lot of talk about “accountability,” particularly in the face of the large handouts to the banking and now auto industries. It looks like Detroit’s auto makers are going to pay the price for the rather arrogant behavior of the nation’s financial institutions that were quick to take Uncle Sam’s money (actually your money and my money) but haven’t been so quick to tell us what they’ve done with it. Further handouts are coming burdened with rules, regulations and (this being the government) mountains of paperwork to ensure that the government’s money is being used the way they want it to be.

After years of deregulation, which economists say is partly to blame for our current predicament, the pendulum is starting to swing in the other direction. For at least the next decade or so, economic experts expect the U.S. to embrace increased government regulation. In fact, angry citizens, many of whom feel they’re being robbed to support bad business decisions and executive excess, are demanding greater regulation and more stringent government oversight.

Once his team settles in, industry experts expect to see the government sticking an ore in wherever and whenever the President thinks the economy or a particular industry needs a shove. And because of the government’s tremendous investment in the country’s banks and businesses, the President will consider it his right, perhaps even his duty, explained economic analyst Chris Kuehl in a recent Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International newsletter. “The Fed is already more engaged in the U.S. banking system than ever before, and that involvement will likely expand,” warns Kuehl. “The Treasury Department is already a part owner of most of the major banks in the country, a leading insurance company, and perhaps, in time, the Big Three auto companies. That gives the U.S. government a major stake in the performance of its largest companies, which will mean direction and advice.”

So sharpen your pencils, add an extra box or two of paper to your office supply order this month and prepare to add a chair in the boardroom for Uncle Sam. It looks like the red tape is going to be flowing again!