How to Train Managers on Union Interactions for Effective Communication

Labor relations is not just an HR function; it truly is a core leadership responsibility. Suppose your team is a current union organization or considering unionization. In that case, your frontline managers have to be trained to interact with unions not just legally, but also strategically and respectfully. Having untrained managers can quickly escalate potential issues without realizing it. Here is a comprehensive guide to train managers on effective union interactions.

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Topics: Human Resources, Government Regulations, Organizational Change Management Consulting, Manufacturing Operations Consulting, Employers & Unions

Compliance Starts at Setup: Laying the Foundation with Your HR Software

While selecting the right HRIS system is a major process in itself, configuring it is a whole other piece of the puzzle. From the recruitment-to-hire process to timekeeping and payroll, it’s essential to set up the system optimally from the start to support compliance and ensure the most success as your business grows. When you add in the government contract compliance piece, the “puzzle” is even further complicated.

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Topics: DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act, UKG Ready HR Software Consulting

The Timekeeping Trap: How a Poor HRIS Setup Can Derail Your Reporting and Compliance

Accurate timekeeping is important to most businesses, but for federal government contractors, it is crucial to compliance and continued success. While timekeeping may seem like a straightforward and simple task, it can be daunting for those responsible for developing and implementing appropriate processes, systems, and audit trails. Improper procedures can quickly lead to reporting inaccuracies and audit nightmares! A well-designed process, accompanied by an accurately designed system and a well-documented and communicated policy, is critical.

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Topics: DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act, UKG Ready HR Software Consulting

Understanding the Basics of Collective Bargaining

What is collective bargaining? Collective bargaining is a collaborative process between employers and employees, where both sides work together to negotiate terms for a fair agreement that benefits both parties. Employees typically are represented by a union, and the goal is to ensure fairness and negotiate in good faith.

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Topics: Human Resources, Government Regulations, Employers & Unions

Is Your Ethics Program Prepared for Increased Scrutiny from the DOJ and Auditors?

In May of 2023, Ms. Jamie Brabston, Director and Legal Counsel at Redstone GCI, wrote an article addressing the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) requirements expected of contractors receiving contracts for supplies and services from the federal government. These requirements are implemented through FAR 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, which is included in contracts and subcontracts expected to exceed $6M, and the period of performance is 120 days or longer.

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Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Government Compliance Training, DFARS Business Systems, Human Resources, Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Grants & Cooperative Agreements (2 CFR 200), Organizational Change Management Consulting

New Executive Order: Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy

Late yesterday, President Trump signed another Executive Order related to employment laws. This Executive Order (“Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy”) takes aim at the use of “disparate impact liability,” which, the EO proclaims, “undermines our national values [and] also runs contrary to equal protection under the law and, therefore, violates our Constitution.”

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Topics: Litigation Consulting Support, Human Resources, Government Regulations, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act

Affirmative Action and DEI After EO 14173 Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity

Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, has left many unsure as to what you can, cannot, should, or should not do. You are not alone! There are many unanswered questions, so we do not and could not claim to have all the answers, but we do have some thoughts and suggestions to consider at this stage.

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Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Human Resources, Government Regulations, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

Empower Your HR Team with Systems Built for Compliance and Efficiency

Managing HR functions while ensuring compliance can be challenging, especially during busy times of the year. Between tracking accruals, managing time records, verifying new hire documentation, and ensuring HR systems function correctly, small inefficiencies can quickly add up. Addressing these issues early allows organizations to maintain accurate records, generate reliable reports, and streamline compliance processes, reducing stress during critical reporting periods.

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Topics: DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act, UKG Ready HR Software Consulting

Using Unanet to Calculate Health & Welfare (H&W) Benefit Rate for Service Contract Act (SCA)

Did you know that Unanet can be configured to help manage your Service Contract Act (SCA) contracts? With the correct setup, Unanet offers features that support compliance with SCA requirements—helping ensure accurate wage calculations and benefit allocations.

Here’s a quick overview of implementing SCA functionality in Unanet to make sure you’re getting it right from the start.

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Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Small Business Compliance, DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Unanet, Government Regulations, Service Contract Act

How the New EO 14173 Impacts DEI and Affirmative Action Requirements

President Trump took aim at more than just DEI programs in Executive Order 14173 signed on January 21, 2025, "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," in which he ordered the revocation of several executive actions, including EO 11246.

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Topics: Human Resources, Government Regulations, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs