Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor unveiled its Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, which “provides the American people with a transparent look at regulations being considered by the Administration and ensures the public is engaged throughout the process.” This regulatory agenda, which is similar to a to-do list for the department, can be found here.

Twice a year, federal agencies are required by law to let businesses, workers, and the public know about which rules are being written or changed, when that might happen, how people can give input (usually through public comment periods), and why it matters. This semiannual agenda lists two items of interest for the staffing industry and their clients: joint employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act and employee or independent contractor classification under the FLSA.

As many staffing firms know, the rules and regulations around joint employer status seem to go back and forth depending on what political party is occupying the White House. Most recently, a joint employer rule issued in 2020 which made it harder for a company to be considered a joint employer was rescinded in July 2021. According to the agenda, DOL is “considering a notice of proposed rulemaking to adopt regulations that would guide the Wage and Hour Division’s enforcement of joint employer liability.”

When it comes to independent contractors, the agenda notes that the current independent contactor rule is the subject of several ongoing legal challenges. According to the agenda, “the Department intends to rescind the 2024 Independent Contractor rule and is considering how it will proceed with examining the circumstances under which a worker should be classified as an employee or independent contractor for the purpose of federal wage and hour requirements.”

(Note: ASA Policy Edge is a new content feature designed to keep members ahead of legislative developments that could affect their business.)

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Don’t miss the “ASA State of the Industry Webinar Series—Third Quarter Update for Staffing Professionals.” It takes place today from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern time. ASA and ClearlyRated, the association’s satisfaction survey partner for more than a decade, bring industry leaders the most important trends, research, and legislative updates to help your firm outpace your competition. Sponsored by ASA corporate partner ClearlyRated.

ASA State of the Industry webinars are complimentary for anyone and qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. To learn more and to register, visit americanstaffing.net.

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Lori Malett, president and owner of Hatch Staffing Services, has been named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year by the American Staffing Association. The national award recognizes one individual who made outstanding leadership contributions to ASA through a committee, council, taskforce, or working group and is selected through nominations from volunteer peers.

Over the last decade, Malett has been a leader in numerous roles within ASA. Having served twice as chair of the direct hire section council, she is currently holding the position of immediate past chair and member of the council’s ASA Central working group. In addition, her consistent involvement as a facilitator and participant on networking calls has strengthened the ASA direct hire section community. Her leadership is recognized across the industry, including during her standing-room-only direct hire session at Staffing World^® 2024.

“Lori Malett’s dedication to giving back to the staffing and recruiting industry has earned her the respect of her peers across the country, along with all of us at ASA,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA. “Through her selfless leadership, Lori has advanced the interests of our industry and helped countless ASA members embrace a more strategic mindset and make impactful connections that enhance both personal and professional growth.”

Reflecting on her journey with ASA, Malett shared “I wish I had started volunteering with ASA sooner—it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The connections, insights, and professional growth I’ve gained have opened doors, provided valuable resources, and created a supportive network that I now rely on regularly.”

Malett will be recognized during Staffing World, the ASA annual convention and expo, Oct. 6–8 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

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