Labor's Low-Key Bid to Keep Wage Data Flowing Smoothly

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!

2025-12316 — Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service

If you hire home helpers like caregivers or housekeepers, this update matters! The government wants to bring back old rules that let some helpers skip overtime and minimum wage rules, making care more affordable. These changes could start soon, helping families and workers find a fair balance without extra costs.

2025-12315 — Recission of Final Rule: Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States

The Department of Labor is rolling back a new rule that made it harder and more expensive for farmers to hire temporary foreign workers under the H-2A program. This change means fewer strict rules and less paperwork for employers, helping them keep their farms running smoothly without extra costs or delays. The rollback starts soon, making it easier for farmers and workers to get back to business as usual.

2026-06031 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Information Collections: The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as Amended

The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info about the Family and Medical Leave Act without changing the rules. This affects employers and employees who use family or medical leave, and the goal is to keep paperwork easy and clear. You have until May 29, 2026, to share your thoughts, and there’s no new cost or time burden planned.

2026-03701 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Report of Construction Contractor's Wage Rates

The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info on construction workers’ wages without changing the rules. This helps make sure the paperwork stays easy and clear for contractors who report their wage rates. If you’re involved in construction contracting, you can share your thoughts by April 27, 2026, so the process stays smooth and fair.

2026-02466 — Minimum Wage for Federal Contracts Covered by Executive Order 13658, Notice of Rate Change in Effect

Starting May 11, 2026, workers on certain federal contracts will see their minimum wage jump to $13.65 an hour, while tipped workers will get at least $9.55 an hour. This change affects contracts from 2015 to early 2022 that weren’t renewed after January 30, 2022. If you work on or manage these contracts, get ready for the new pay rates to kick in and keep those paychecks growing!

Previous: 2026-05780 — Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Application for Waiver of Surface Sanitary Facilities' Requirements (Pertaining to Coal Mines)

The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info from coal mines that ask to skip certain surface bathroom rules. This helps make sure miners stay safe while cutting down on paperwork hassle. If you’re involved with coal mines, you can share your thoughts by May 26, 2026—no extra costs or big changes, just a smooth extension!

Next: 2026-05782 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Request for Reinstatement of a Previously Approved Information Collection

The Federal Highway Administration wants to bring back a previously approved form for the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program. This program helps fix culverts to protect endangered fish and improve waterways. If you’re involved in these projects, you can comment on this by April 24, 2026—no new costs or big changes, just keeping things rolling smoothly!