Dive Brief:
- In a recent interview, U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta scoffed at New York City’s ordinance requiring dog-sitters outside of a kennel to be licensed, reports the New York Post. He called the NYC rule — recently in the spotlight due to the city cracking down on Rover, a dog-sitting app — an example of what he thinks is an over-licensing trend growing nationwide.
- A spokesperson from Mayor Bill de Blasio's office argues that the city doesn't "regulate" or enforce rules against dog walkers or pet sitters, but affirmed that maintaining a commercial kennel in a private home is illegal.
- Acosta has been focused on getting states and cities to get rid of regulations that he insists are unnecessary, bad for the economy, barriers to employment and curtailing job mobility. He adds that governments should streamline licensing deemed necessary.
Dive Insight:
Acosta speaks for the Labor Department and the direction in which it's headed — one of continued deregulation. The Trump administration has rolled back or stalled several Obama-era rules that it criticized as over-reach, and businesses can likely expect more deregulation in 2018.
Professionals in some certifiable occupations, including HR, believe such designations give their careers the distinction of having achieved a higher level of expertise. The result might be a higher job classification or salary. A study published by Down Jones Customer Intelligence in conjunction with HR Certification Institute (HRCI) found that 70% of business leaders favor an HR department with all certified HR professionals.
Acosta correctly cites the lack of reciprocity between states as a problem for military family members and other certified or licensed professionals who need or want to relocate. With the staff shortages companies say they're facing, perhaps a push for more reciprocity between states and jurisdictions is in order.