The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed a new rule that would end the practice of paying workers with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage. Supporters of the proposal say it would reduce poverty within the disability community, while opponents argue it would reduce critical employment opportunities for people whose disabilities prevent them from finding employment at market rates.
The proposal, announced by the DOL on Dec. 3, would phase out certificates that allow employers to pay subminimum wages to disabled workers under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).