August 2023 Volume 5

WASHINGTON UPDATE

duties test, this proposed rule could make millions more workers eligible for time and a half at a time when many small businesses are already struggling to compete globally. Complicating matters for employers, the rule could possibly take effect with the new threshold as soon as January 1, 2024, and be increased periodically while indexed to inflation. FIA members face uncertainties from all sides – trade policy, workplace regulations, and tax liabilities. However, one certainty remains, government affects all aspects of the forging industry, touches each part of the global economy, and when employed effectively, can strengthen manufacturing in America – or slow it down. This is why FIA is working for you in Washington.

restaurants to farmers and manufacturers. Under discussion as part of an 80oF heat rule are additional PPE and engineering controls, continuous workplace environmental monitoring, including near manufacturing equipment, required rest breaks, access to cold water, and a designated cooling station, among other requirements. Staying with the Labor Department, on July 12, 2023, the Wage and Hour Division sent a proposed rule to the White House for a final review to expand the eligibility of workers to earn time and a half under overtime guidelines. Sources in Washington are reporting that the Department of Labor may raise the current threshold for non-exempt salaried employees from $35,568 to at least $50,000 and possibly as high as $58,000 annually as some on Capitol Hill call for a ceiling of $58,000. While not making changes to the

Omar S. Nashashibi is a founding partner at The Franklin Partnership, LLC, a Washington-D.C. based lobbying firm representing the Forging Industry Association before the federal government. Phone: 202-715-1264 Email: omar@franklinpartnership

ENERGIZE YOUR BOTTOM LINE

HAS PARTNERED WITH

Transparent Energy’s Online Reverse Auction helps members

Timing the market at least one year in advance of contract expiration

There is NO RISK to the member engaging in an auction. If the member is not satis ed with the pricing there is no obligation to sign a contract. Providing 200%-300% more suppliers to compete for your business Hyper-competitive pricing driven by the live auction event Providing a discount to members

An actual auction showing the price reduction achieved

CONTACT: Jonathan Le | PHONE: 945-218-2185 | jle@transparentedge.com | www.transparentedge.com

FIA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2023 9