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Letter from the IOGA Overtime Committee
on the
New Minimum Wage Executive Order
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Attention IOGA members,
The Federal Government has created a new mandate which could potentially increase your payroll costs this season from between 30% - 100%. Non-compliance could result in fines which could be catastrophic for most businesses. This all goes into effect in less than 2 weeks, on January 30th, 2022. For many guides, it may mean that your employer may not be able to put you on back-to-back trips and/or this will definitely change how your tips are handled. For public access, this has direct implications on the Wilderness Act and the values of Equal Opportunity therein.
Now that we have your attention, these changes are to come about through the newly issued Biden Administration Executive Order (EO) #14026. If you are unaware of President Biden’s Executive order, if you are confused in any way as to how it will affect you, if you have heard varying reports about the EO, if you have any questions whatsoever on this topic, rest assured, you are in the same proverbial boat as everyone.
On January 6, 2022, the IOGA Executive Committee approved the formation of the Overtime Committee. This Committee will support IOGA staff in addressing all things related to Executive Order E.O. 14026. They will be involved in not only attempting to halt, curtail, and/ or alter the EO, but also working on tools and information to help you understand how this may affect you, your business and your employees. It will take time! IOGA staff and the OT Committee request your patience. We will assuredly have some pertinent information, and possibly request your help, in the coming months. Information to help you navigate this challenge is on the way but please limit calls to IOGA staff at this time for information on this topic. Right now the best use of their time is working towards mitigation efforts and training materials to help all outfitters. However, you may make contact with any of the overtime committee members listed below for updates or with questions.
Rest assured, IOGA is involved. The stakes may be high for you; read your IOGA Newsletters when they come. Respond when asked to do so. When possible, limit your questions to email. IOGA staff and time is limited and endless lengthy phone calls deprive staff of valuable time dealing with all the issues confronting Idaho Outfitters.
We have volunteered to serve on the OT Committee. We have a set group of outfitters and guides currently on the Committee. However, we picture the make-up of the group to be dynamic in nature, with the members changing with workload and topic. If you have any information, desire to be involved, have expertise, know anyone with expertise, friends in high places, and/ or legal contacts who may help us pro bono, discounted or not, please contact the Committee at overtime@ioga.org or once again, contact any of the committee members listed below.
FYI, the date you sign your Federal Special Use Permit (or similar Federal Land Management document) could have bearing on your status with the EO. If you have a permit in the process and it can be finalized before January 30th, 2022, it may behoove you to do so. Please do your own research or contact any of the committee members below.
Our efforts should also hope to protect the long-standing guide culture and its invaluable nuances that most of us have been a part of and enjoyed at some point in our careers. And to maintain the ever so important symbiotic relationship between the outfitting and guiding communities that makes these careers so enjoyable.
Members of the IOGA Overtime (Minimum Wage) Committee
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Steve E. Zettel, Committee Chair, Idaho Wilderness Co.
P: 208-940-0182 e: zettel2@custertel.net
Erik Weiseth, Orange Torpedo Trips/Sun Valley Outfitters, IOGA VP
P: (503) 367-5967 e: eweiseth@orangetorpedo.com
Ari Kotler, SOAR Northwest, IOGA River VP
P: (208) 709-8033 e: ari@soarnorthwest.com
Colin Hughes, Hughes River Expedition
P: 208-550-0672 e: info@hughesriver.com
Brenda Bullock, Mile High Outfitters
P: 208-879-4500 e: milehigh@custertel.net
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Ken and Kelsey Helfrich, Helfrich River Trips
P:541-206-2631 e: kelsey@helfrichoutfitter.com
Steven J. Zettel, IOGA Guide VP (BOD)
P: 208-993-0775 e: s.j.zettel@gmail.com
Jerry Hughes, Hughes River Expeditions
P: 800-262-1882 e: info@hughesriver.com
Homer Brown, Hammer Down Excursions
P:208-315-2293 e: hdriverexcursions@gmail.com
Jessica Zettel, Idaho Wilderness Company
P: 540-272-7181 e: info@idahowildernesscompany.com
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Additional Top-Level Context & Information
- (a) the minimum wage EO and where it came from
- (b) key concerns with the EO for Outfitters & Guides
- (c) a summary timeline of the issue, and
- (d) what we have done and are working on in relation to it.
Note: The information in the linked PDF is meant to provide a summary overview of the issue and related actions. It is not a definitive guide. We are close to finalizing a guide/tool for our members that will be more definitive and helpful in navigating the regulations associated with the EO. In the meantime, this overview should be a helpful reference for the issue.
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