Government Affairs Gears Up for SHRM21
The SHRM Government Affairs (GA) team has put together a strong lineup for the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2021 (SHRM21) in Las Vegas.
Right before the opening session on Sept. 9, all conference attendees will be invited to contact their members of Congress in unison, urging them to support legislation like the Commonsense Reporting Act to streamline and modernize employer and individual reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act.
Reducing unnecessary reporting burdens allows HR professionals to focus their valuable time and resources on what matters most: creating better workplaces and a better world. Stay tuned for more details as we approach SHRM21.
The GA team will also be hosting two top-shelf sessions. The first is an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) listening session on “The Future of Equitable Workplaces,” which is scheduled for Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. PT. EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows and Commissioner Keith E. Sonderling will discuss their role in creating policies and initiatives that promote equitable workplaces for all.
Second, a session on women in the workplace titled “SHE-CESSION: Seizing the Moment to Lead Global Change for Women in the Workplace” will take place on Sept. 10 at 3:45 p.m. PT. Join business leaders to discuss why the current SHE-CESSION is not a “status quo moment” but an opportunity to seize the moment.
We can’t wait to advocate with you during SHRM21!
I-9 Flexibility Extended Through December
Due to SHRM’s ongoing advocacy to modernize the Form I-9, last night, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the extension of I-9 requirement flexibility until Dec. 31, 2021.
On July 26, SHRM submitted duplicate letters to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and ICE, urging the extension of the I-9 requirement flexibility until Dec. 31, 2021. SHRM also called for the implementation of a permanent policy to permit virtual I-9 inspection and submitted several policy recommendations to modernize the employment authorization process.
Last week, during an invite-only stakeholder meeting, Emily M. Dickens, chief of staff, head of government affairs and corporate secretary, urged newly confirmed USCIS Director Ur Jaddou to extend the I-9 flexibilities and implement policies that ease the burdens of HR professionals as they navigate employment authorization compliance.
Thank you to those SHRM members who have contributed to this ongoing effort. With your help, SHRM will continue to advance policies that foster a modern workplace immigration system that is efficient, predictable, consistent and transparent.
ODEP Has New Resources for Employers
The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is a free resource provided by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to help employers tap the benefits of disability diversity by educating public- and private-sector organizations on ways to build inclusive workplace cultures.
To celebrate the 31st anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), EARN hosted a three-part Summer Workplace Inclusion Webinar Series.
The webinars explored topics related to disability employment and the future of work, including digital accessibility, telework and emerging ADA implementation issues concerning COVID-19, the gig economy, the use of artificial intelligence and more.
HR Professionals Needed to Assist Afghan Refugees
SHRM and the National Defense Industrial Association have partnered to assist in compiling a list of HR professionals to aid in the employment verification of Afghan nationals who are applying for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) after working for U.S. contractors.
Verification information will be provided to the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State.
Congress authorized over 42,000 SIVs for Afghan nationals. The first step in the process for visa seekers is to secure an employment verification letter from the HR department of the U.S. contractor they worked for.
SHRM members can serve as a resource in this ongoing humanitarian effort. If you work or have worked for a U.S. contractor, please complete this form.
For more information, e-mail [email protected].
Advocacy: It’s Who We Are
Watch our new video about how SHRM affiliates across the country are meeting with policymakers to tell them how HR professionals are facing the latest workplace challenges, adjusting business practices and providing innovative solutions for the world of work.
SHRM Government Affairs is equipping you with the tools and resources you need to schedule a successful meeting, event or site visit with a member of Congress during the August recess, which continues into early September.
Please complete SHRM’s In-District Advocacy form and let SHRM Government Affairs know about your affiliate’s plans to meet with members of Congress during the August recess. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call (703) 535-6099.
SHRM Celebrates Women’s Equality Day
On Aug. 26, SHRM and its partners at the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) celebrated Women’s Equality Day and the 101st anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
“As we grapple with the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on women, let’s pause to ensure that workplace equity is a hallmark of our workplace cultures,” said Emily M. Dickens, SHRM chief of staff, head of government affairs and corporate secretary. “We all benefit when the focus is on equity for all. Let’s commit to building workplaces and communities where everyone has the opportunity to realize their full potential.”
She also appeared in this video to commemorate Women’s Equality Day with members of the NFWL.
California Gig Worker Law Found Unconstitutional
A California judge ruled Aug. 20 the state’s new gig worker law is unconstitutional.
Proposition 22, which was approved by voters in a referendum in 2020, allows app-based companies to classify drivers as independent contractors.
The measure was supported by prominent ride-hailing and food-delivery services, including Uber, Lyft and DoorDash.
The state judge, however, said Proposition 22 limits the California Legislature’s authority and ability to make future amendments to the law.
SHRM published a roundup of related coverage online.
Mark Your Calendars: SHRM Government Affairs Webcast, Sept. 30
Join the SHRM Government Affairs team for our third quarterly webcast of the year Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. ET.
Discussion topics will include the latest workplace policy and regulatory updates, upcoming and ongoing SHRM GA campaigns and initiatives, and other important advocacy updates.
Registration is open now, and more details will follow in the next newsletter.
Policy, Not Politics Apparel and Accessories Available at SHRMStore
SHRM has an unwavering commitment to focus on policy, not politics. We believe in our ability to find consensus when we bring all sides to the table for critical discussions of issues impacting work, workers and workplaces.
Together, we are championing policies that will help organizations and people thrive to create better workplaces and a better world.
Showcase your commitment to Policy, Not Politics, with a brand-new line of apparel and merchandise available for order at the SHRMStore. Get FREE SHIPPING on apparel and accessories when you shop at the SHRMStore through May 31.
Advancing Workplace Issues in 2021
SHRM is proud to be working with several organizations to highlight workplace issues in 2021. They include Fratelli Group, NAICU, Palladian Hill Strategies, Seyfarth Shaw LLP and Viatris.
As the Voice of All Things Work, SHRM pursues nonpartisan public policy to promote flexible, inclusive and equitable workplaces that help business thrive as talent is tapped, trained and empowered to reach its full potential. Policy not politics.
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