did remain relatively active since it is controlled by former union attorneys. As might be expected, virtually all its decisions have favored unions over employers.


While most of the country began resuming operations in late 2021, and early 2022, federal employees didn't begin trickling back until late Spring and early Summer 2023. The bulk returned gradually over the course of 2023. Today, most only report to their offices for two or three days each week, and some 20% or so are still only working from home. Due to the tremendous backlog of business and the partial staffing, most enforcement agencies have struggled to return to normal operations. As a consequence, the long-delayed aggressive enforcement regimen has never quite materialized, to the relief of all employers.


Notwithstanding the fact that the two primary pro-employee and pro-


About the Author Richard D. Alaniz is a partner at Alaniz Law & Associates, PLLC, a labor and employment firm based in Houston. He has been at the forefront of labor and employment


law for


over forty years, including stints with the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board. Rick is a prolific writer on labor and employment law and conducts frequent seminars to client companies and trade associations across the country. Questions about this article, or requests to subscribe to receive Rick’s monthly articles, can be addressed to Rick at (281) 833-2200 or ralaniz@alaniz-law.com.


union commitments of the Biden administration never quite came to fruition, it does not mean that they couldn't be just around the comer.


Today’s Students Making an Impact by Connecting with Tomorrow’s Students


The 2024 election will decide if they become a reality or not for America's workplaces. A second Biden term could give those original goals a new life.


FEF University Programs are making multiple outreaches to local high and middle school


students to expose these students to metals manufacturing.


Support these outreach efforts – www.fefinc.org/donate


July 2024 ❘ 33 ®


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36