ABC Files Comments on New Paid Sick Leave Requirement for Fed Contractors

On April 12, ABC submitted comments in response to the U.S. Department (DOL) of Labor Wage and Hour Division’s proposed rule on establishing paid sick leave for federal contractors. The proposed rule requires certain federal contractors to offer employees up to seven days of paid sick leave annually, including paid leave for family care. The paid sick leave required by the proposal is in addition to a contractor’s obligations under the Service Contract Act (SCA) and Davis-Bacon Act (DBA). Therefore, a contractor may not receive credit toward its prevailing wage or fringe benefit obligation under the SCA and DBA for paid sick leave provided in satisfaction of the requirements of the proposed rule.
  
ABC stated that the proposed rule exceeds the executive branch’s constitutional and statutory authority. The comments also noted that if the DOL does not withdraw the proposal, at a minimum the DOL should conform the proposal to the existing requirements of the DBA and SCA in order to avoid confusion and unnecessary burdens on government contractors. 

To read ABC’s full comments, click here.