WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today after the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council released the final guidance for the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order.
“Our federal government should serve as an example for all American businesses. Federal contractors have a responsibility to uphold federal law and provide safe and fair working environments for their employees. Implementation of the Fair Pay Safe Workplaces EO is an important victory for working Americans, taxpayers, and law-abiding companies who deserve a level playing field. This executive order is designed to help ensure that companies with federal contracts are following federal labor laws, like protections against wage theft, workplace safety rules, and the right for workers to organize. It will help ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being used to support companies that are cheating their workers and putting law-abiding competitors at a disadvantage. It will also raise workplace standards for federal contract workers across the country.
“Federal contract employees will receive wage statements and have a fair chance to represent themselves in court. The EO will ensure that workers are paid the wages they have earned, helping them pay their bills and take care of their families.
"With today’s guidance, the administration has set a fair standard for responsible contractor behavior. The next administration should build on this landmark executive action by implementing a Model Employer Executive Order. The federal government can set a standard for work with dignity by ensuring a $15 minimum wage, good benefits, and the right to a voice on the job for every contract worker."
The Congressional Progressive Caucus is dedicated to fighting for fair labor standards for every worker in the U.S. In 2014, the CPC sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to sign a Model Executive Employer. Previously, the CPC sent a letter for a Good Jobs Executive Order. In 2014, CPC fought back against wage theft by sending a letter to Secretary Perez asking him to collect data on contractors that engage in wage theft. Additionally, the CPC introduced four appropriations amendments in 2014 to ensure federal contractors do not steal their workers’ wages. Moreover, CPC members have continuously fought to raise the minimum wage and expand overtime pay.
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