Download a copy of ACWI Advance here:
[vcex_button url=”https://acwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AA-11-1-20.pdf?utm_source=acwi.org&utm_medium=webpage&utm_content=newsletter&campaign=newsletter” title=”Download” style=”flat” align=”center” color=”blue” size=”medium” target=”self” rel=”none”]Download[/vcex_button]
In this issue of ACWI Advance we take a closer look at these stories:
- DHL International offers its own perspective on the future of logistics, and tech is key.
- A judge largely overturns a DOL rule redefining joint employer status.
- A bill would require large companies to eliminate forced labor in their supply chains.
- The Coronavirus speeds up the conversion of large retail spaces being into warehouses.
- More companies adopt paid leave, and the federal government eventually will require it.
- The National Retail Federation says retail sales showed impressive gains in September.
Send your company news to Editor David Sparkman at [email protected], and please understand that there is no cost to you when we use your news in this newsletter.
Tech Turmoil Reshapes Logistics
There has been a lot of speculation regarding the future of logistics after the Covid 19 pandemic finally passes, and the worldwide package shipper DHL International recently offered its own perspective on what it expects to take place.
The ecommerce boom is just beginning and is expected to outlast the Coronavirus lockdowns that fueled its growth this year, notes the company, a subsidiary of Deutsche Posts in the fifth annual edition of its Logistics Trend Radar forecast.
Court Overturns Employer Rule
A New York judge largely overturned a Department of Labor regulation that went into effect in March redefining joint employer status.
Although issued by a New York district court, the decision impacts employers nationwide. Democrat attorneys general in 17 states and the District of Columbia had sued to overturn the rule.
The judge vacated major portions of the rule based on procedural grounds, holding that DOL failed to meet its obligations under the Administrative Procedures Act , which defines the steps federal agencies must take to create new regulations.
Modern Slavery Bill Introduced
A bill introduced recently by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), would require large companies to report on and eliminate forced labor in their supply chains.
Although not likely to pass in its present form, the initiative is evidence of rising interest among policymakers in confronting and rooting out modern slavery in countries that export products to western nations, including the economic giant dependent on such exports, China.
Stores Convert To Warehouses
The explosive growth of online shopping ignited by the Coronavirus also is speeding up the trend of shopping malls and large retail spaces being converted into warehouses and distribution centers.
Investors and developers are looking to conversions in a bid to take advantage of the higher returns and strong rental growth of the logistics sector, reports the industrial real estate giant JLL.
“Major retail landlords are already evolving their strategy to maximize asset values through the integration of alternative uses, including hotels, office and residential,” says Stuart Taylor, senior director of retail investments for JLL.
More Employers Offer Paid Leave
A voluntary, comprehensive, and uniform federal paid leave framework is necessary to meet the needs of a modern, 21st Century workplace, the Society for Human Resource Management recently told federal policymakers.
Comments filed with the Department of Labor present the results of research conducted by SHRM and Oxford Economics. It found more employers are offering paid parental leave – including forms of maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
Retail Is Economic Bright Spot
A strong rebound in apparel led a continuing V-shaped recovery from the pandemic as retail sales accelerated their rate of growth in September and marked the fourth straight month of year-over-year gains, according to a report issued by the National Retail Federation.
“Retail sales showed impressive gains in September,” said NRF President Matthew Shay. “Consumers continue to prove their resilience and strength through this pandemic. Retailers and consumers are adapting to the current environment, embracing shopping in different ways and focusing on specific categories.”
