On June 15, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued a final rule on Discrimination on the Basis of Sex.  The final rule applies to federal contractors (including subcontractors) and is effective on Aug. 15, 2016. 

The final rule discusses the following issues, which are included in the OFCCP’s list of Frequently Asked Questions:

• compensation discrimination; 
• sexual harassment; 
• failure to provide workplace accommodations for, or other kinds of discrimination because of, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; 
• discrimination on the basis of gender identity and transgender status;
• family caregiving discrimination; and 
• stereotypes based on gender norms like dress and appearance. 

The final rule also provides examples of prohibited sex discrimination in the workplace and best practices.

ABC’s general counsel, Littler Mendelson P.C., has prepared an analysis of the final rule.  

Additional resources on the final rule are available on DOL’s website, including:

• Final Rule 
• Fact Sheet
• FAQs
• Compare the final rule to the old guidelines (OFCCP 1970 Sex Discrimination Guidelines)