Labor Department Extends Collection for Urban Transit Worker Protections
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info to protect transit workers’ rights when federal money helps run city transit systems. This extension affects transit agencies and workers, making sure their jobs stay safe while the government checks in. Comments on this plan are open until February 20, 2026, with no new costs expected—just keeping the system running smoothly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Required Transit Worker Protections
If you are a transit worker in a system that uses federal funds, federal law (49 U.S.C. 5333(b)) requires arrangements that protect your rights before the Federal Transit Administration can award funds. Those protections include preservation of rights and benefits under collective bargaining agreements, continuation of collective bargaining rights, protection against worsening employment positions, assurances of employment for employees of acquired systems, priority of reemployment for laid-off employees, and paid training or retraining programs.
Three-Year Information Collection Extension
The Department of Labor proposes to extend the information collection titled "Protections for Transit Workers under Section 5333(b) Urban Program" for three (3) years under OMB Control Number 1245-0006. The agency estimates 1,851 respondents with an average of 8 hours per response, totaling 14,808 annual burden hours and $0 in annual other costs.
Certification Timelines for Grants
When the FTA forwards grant applications subject to 49 U.S.C. 5333(b), DOL follows set timeframes: parties have 15 days to object to recommended terms; DOL may direct up to 30 days of negotiation if objections are sufficient; DOL can issue an interim certification permitting FTA to release funds while disputes continue, and DOL sets final certification within 60 days (and may request briefs).
When Referrals Are Not Required
DOL will not refer a grant application for review under 29 CFR part 215 if: employees in the service area are not represented by a union; the grant is for routine replacement items; or the grant is a Job Access project serving populations under 200,000. Grants where employees are not represented by a union will be certified without referral based on protective terms and conditions set by DOL.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05634 — Minor Child Definition for Form LM-30 Labor Organization Officer and Employee Report
The Department of Labor is changing the definition of a “minor child” on the Form LM-30 from under 21 years old to under 18 years old. This update affects labor union officers and employees who file these reports, making it easier to comply without losing important financial disclosure info. The new rule kicks in April 22, 2026, for reports covering fiscal years starting July 1, 2026, with no extra costs involved.
2025-16257 — Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Labor Organization and Auxiliary Reports
The U.S. Department of Labor wants to update some rules about reports that labor unions have to file every year. They’re thinking about changing when unions need to file certain forms and tweaking the definition of “minor child” on another report. If you’re part of a labor union or work with one, these changes could affect you soon—so keep an eye out and get ready to share your thoughts!
2025-12273 — Filing Thresholds for Forms LM-2, LM-3, and LM-4 Labor Organization Annual Reports
Labor unions that file annual reports on Forms LM-2, LM-3, and LM-4 will see updated rules about when they need to file based on their size and money. These changes make sure only unions with enough activity have to file the big, detailed reports, saving smaller ones time and effort. The new rules kick in soon and could help unions focus on what really matters without extra paperwork.
2025-11849 — Minor Child Definition for Form LM-30 Labor Organization Officer and Employee Report
The government wants to update the definition of 'minor child' on the Form LM-30, which labor union officers and employees use to report information. This change affects anyone filling out the form and aims to make the rules clearer. They’re asking for public feedback before making it official, with no immediate cost impact.
2026-05492 — Retirement Security Rule: Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary: Notice of Court Vacatur
The court has canceled the Department of Labor’s 2024 rule that changed who counts as a trusted investment advisor for retirement plans. Starting April 20, 2026, the old rules from 2020 will be back in charge, affecting financial advisors and retirement plan managers. This means advisors should review their practices to stay on the right side of the law and avoid costly mistakes.
2026-03962 — Employee or Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act
The Department of Labor wants to update how we decide if someone is an employee or an independent contractor for three big laws: the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. They’re bringing back a 2021 rule with some tweaks and applying it to all three laws. If you’re a worker or a business, this could change your rights and responsibilities, so get ready to share your thoughts by April 28, 2026!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23552 — [No title available]
The IRS wants your thoughts on Form SS-8, which helps decide if a worker is an employee or a contractor for tax purposes. If you have ideas on making the form easier or less time-consuming, now’s the time to speak up! Comments are due by February 20, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape this important tax tool.
Next: 2025-23554 — Addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding With the Department of Energy (August 28, 1992); Oak Ridge, Tennessee Properties
The Department of Labor’s OSHA and the Department of Energy updated their 1992 agreement about who handles safety rules at Oak Ridge, Tennessee properties. Starting December 22, 2025, OSHA will take on more responsibility for worker safety at these privatized DOE sites, making sure rules are clear and enforced. This change affects contractors working there and helps keep workplaces safer without changing costs or deadlines.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in