Weekly 5: GOP will try to block overtime rule
The BI Weekly 5 is a collection of tips, news and data affecting the boating industry this week. Be sure to look for the BI Weekly 5 every week on BoatingIndustry.com.
1. GOP will try to block overtime rule
The Obama administration’s plans to overhaul the nation’s overtime rules have generated plenty of controversy since being finalized in May.
Now, Senate Republicans plan to attempt to stop the rules from taking effect December 1, the Business Journal reports. Forty-four senators have signed on to legislation to use the Congressional Review Act to block the change.
Under the proposed rule, anyone making less than $47,476 a year will be eligible for overtime pay, doubling the current level.
2. NMMA urges industry support of TPP
The National Marine Manufacturers Association is asking its members to contact Congress and urge them to approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Trade helps open new markets and “allows us to set a standard of excellence on the global stage,” the association says.
TPP promotes the growth and competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing, will eliminate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual tariffs paid to foreign governments and will help reduce and eliminate foreign government barriers and market distortions, while setting stronger and more transparent standards to protect intellectual property and innovation, according to NMMA.
3. Life jackets could have prevented half of Canadian boating fatalities
Half of all boating deaths in Canada over the last 20 years could have been prevented if the victims were wearing life jackets, according to a study from the Canadian Red Cross.
Alcohol was also found to be a major factor, being present in 43 percent of deaths.
4. Center for Coastal Conservation names Rep. Rob Bishop Conservationist of the Year
U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, has been named the Conservationist of the Year for championing policies promoting healthy fish and wildlife populations and access to America’s public lands and waters, the Center for Coastal Conservation said.
“Chairman Bishop has taken the time to recognize the significant social, economic and conservation benefits that recreational fishing provides to the nation , a quality that has made him an invaluable partner on Capitol Hill,” said CCC President Jeff Angers.
5. OSHA campaigns to prevent heat illness in outdoor workers
For a lot of employees in the boating industry, the job requires spending a lot of time outside during the summer.
With that in mind, it makes sense to pay attention to the the Occupational Safety & Health Administration annual campaign to highlight how heat-related worker fatalities are entirely preventable. In 2014 alone, 2,630 workers suffered from heat illness and 18 died from heat stroke and related causes on the job, according to OSHA.
