Labor Department issues new rule on gender discrimination for contractors

The Federal Headlines is a daily compilation of the stories you hear discussed on the Federal Drive.

• Federal contractors and subcontractors have new marching orders from the Labor Department on how to avoid sexual discrimination in hiring. The Labor Department’s final rule prohibits sexual discrimination for things like pregnancy and transgender status. It applies to any contractor that receives at least $10,000 from the government in a 12-month period. It also describes employment practices that may unlawfully treat men and women disparately. This is the first time in 46 years the Labor Department has  updated the regulations governing sexual discrimination. (Federal Register)

• Gender fairness is also on the minds of Navy leadership. Secretary Ray Mabus held a meeting with senior leaders where they agreed to develop a new approach to enlisted ratings. The hope is the name changes will be more gender inclusive and translate occupations to the public more clearly. Results of a second review on the matter is expected this fall. (Navy)

• A disagreement between the Veterans Affairs Department and its inspector general is brewing over whether a systemic problem or human error caused some records management mistakes at VA regional offices. During an investigation, the VA IG found 130 of 155 documents related to veterans claims were incorrectly put into bins designated for shredding. The VA Undersecretary for Field Operations said this isn’t a big deal though. The VA plans to update its record management guidance in the next month or two. (Federal News Radio)

• A group of senators wants the Veterans Affairs Department to update 176 policy directives that are outdated or expired. Eleven senators wrote to VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin to voice concern that the directive describing VA policy for scheduling health care appointments has expired. They also wanted to know the VA’s plan to get off the Government Accountability Office High Risk List. The VA is expected to submit an action plan for addressing GAO’s concerns in August. (Senate Veterans Affairs Committee)

• The new chairperson of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services took office. Retired Air Force Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger suceeded retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Frances Wilson. Wolfenbarger is the first woman to achieve four-star general rank in the Air Force. DACOWITS provides advice on matters related to women in the armed forces. (Department of Defense)

• A big data agency is looking for someone to manage all that information. The Federal Aviation Administration provides data on airlines, airport noise,  delays and arrivals and so much more. With the growing popularity of drones, the FAA expects its data to grow enormously. That’s why the FAA is looking for a chief data officer. The agency said in its job announcement the CDO will focus on opportunities, threats, capabilities and gaps related to managing information as a strategic asset and potentially a liability. Applications for the job are due July 12. (USAJobs)

• Republican members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform voted to censure Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen. The vote is a prelude to an impeachment proceeding against him. But it’s uncertain whether the resolution will come before the full House. Republicans are upset at how Koskinen handled questions and evidence from the IRS episode in which it targeted  conservative tax-exempt groups that occurred under a previous commissioner. (House Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

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