Labor Law Updates

On February 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division will announce the applicable minimum wage rates for workers performing work on or in connection with federal contracts covered by Executive Order 13658. These rates apply beginning May 11, 2026, to certain federal contracts entered into between January 1, 2015 and January 29, 2022, that were not renewed or extended on or after January 30, 2022.

You’re likely familiar with the labor law posters required in your workplace, but those postings represent only one piece of today’s compliance puzzle. Employers are also responsible for distributing mandatory employee handouts directly to employees — often triggered by specific events, policies or workforce changes.

HR professionals face a rapidly evolving compliance landscape in 2026, shaped by new regulations, heightened enforcement and growing expectations for transparency and ethical practices. Staying ahead requires awareness, adaptability and the ability to turn complex rules into practical policies that protect both employees and the organization.

How often do labor law posters change? More often than many employers realize Labor law posting requirements are constantly in motion. New laws, revised regulations and shifting workplace environments can create compliance changes at any time, often without warning. Staying compliant means monitoring updates year-round and acting quickly when changes take effect.

If you rely on your workers’ comp insurance provider for labor law posters, you could be setting your organization up for a costly mistake. Many carriers offer a few basic notices at no cost, but they don’t cover the full range of federal, state and local requirements. That gap exposes businesses to significant poster compliance risks and fines — including government penalties and increased legal liability.