08.24.16

Scott, Cummings Applaud Final Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Rule

WASHINGTONRanking Members Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Elijah Cummings (MD-07) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council today announced final regulations and guidance implementing the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order.

“We commend the Department of Labor and the Obama Administration’s diligent and deliberative process in developing the final Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rule. This rule will ensure that hardworking Americans are treated fairly on the job and that they come home safely at the end of the day. It will help to guarantee that businesses awarded federal contracts are in compliance with basic worker protection laws and that law-abiding contractors compete on a level playing field.

“When reviewing the history of labor violations, the final rule does not apply to minor or technical violations; rather, responsibility determinations will be based on those violations which are ‘serious,’ ‘willful,’ ‘repeated,’ or ‘pervasive.’ Moreover, contractors with a history of serious violations will be given a chance to reform their practices rather than being disqualified. And equally important, the final rule prohibits federal contractors from requiring arbitration of Title VII and tort claims regarding sexual harassment and assault. This standard will help to remedy the use of compulsory arbitration as a tactic to deny workers their day in court.

“Doing business with the federal government is a privilege, not a right. Likewise, law-abiding, responsible contractors should not be forced to compete with contractors who save money in a race to the bottom by violating federal civil rights, labor and workplace safety laws. The overhaul of the process for ensuring that federal agencies consider prospective federal contractors’ compliance with labor laws is an important step toward protecting hardworking Americans and leveling the playing field for law-abiding contractors.”

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Press Contact

Arika Trim (Scott), 202-226-0853

Aryele Bradford (Cummings), 202-226-5181