End of the Road for Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces

One of the most controversial Executive Orders (and accompanying FAR rules) in recent years will soon likely meet its demise. On March 6, 2017, the Senate passed a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act disapproving the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Final Rule. The joint resolution was passed by the House in February and now heads to the White House where President Trump is expected to sign the resolution. Most of the rule’s requirements were put on hold in October when a U.S. district court judge in Texas granted a preliminary injunction; however, the rule’s paycheck transparency requirements became effective on January 1, 2017. The president’s signature will eliminate the entire rule, including the paycheck transparency requirements, relieving contractors of substantial compliance burdens associated with the FAR rules and Department of Labor Guidance implementing the EO.