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.

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.

When discussing employee pay, the terms minimum wage, prevailing wage and living wage are often used interchangeably — but they mean very different things. Understanding the distinction is essential, especially if you're an employer navigating complex wage requirements across states, cities or industries.

The legal environment for employers is always changing, particularly with state, county and city labor law requirements. For example, in the absence of any movement at the federal level since 2009, state legislatures continue to enact minimum wage increases.

If you operate across many jurisdictions, this flurry of separate minimum wage laws creates a unique compliance challenge. Yet it’s essential to keep up with them because when federal, state and local minimum wage laws differ, you’re legally required to pay the most generous rate to your hourly, nonexempt workers.