Today, Republican Leader of the Education and Labor Committee, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), made the following statement after the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule to establish criteria for determining whether workers are employees or independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgency, greater than ever before, to increase opportunity, flexibility, and innovation in our economy. Today’s final rule announced by DOL recognizes and respects workers’ desires for independence and entrepreneurial opportunity. While Democrats continue to attack the successful and innovative independent contractor model, the Trump administration is putting the interests of America’s workers first. I appreciate Secretary Scalia’s continued focus on this rule which impacts millions of American workers and their families. The new framework created by DOL will provide much-needed clarity to workers and employers in the sharing economy, ensuring that the independent contractor model remains an engine of growth and prosperity for all Americans.”
BACKGROUND: Earlier this year, DOL initiated the rulemaking process on independent contractor status as a part of its agenda to strengthen the American workforce. Republican Leader Foxx, along with 19 Republican Members from the Education and Labor Committee, sent a letter to DOL Secretary Eugene Scalia commending DOL’s efforts to clarify the standard and for pursuing a forward-looking legal and regulatory environment that works best for all workers and businesses.
The independent contractor model, which allows workers to leverage their skills and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, has been under steady attack from Congressional Democrats. In February, House Democrats passed radical legislation which would decimate the independent contractor model, destroy jobs, and deprive Americans of the opportunity to work independently.
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