Detroit Regional Chamber > Advocacy > Detroit Regional Chamber Joins US Chamber of Commerce to Oppose US Department of Labor’s Proposed Rules Regarding Independent Contractors

Detroit Regional Chamber Joins US Chamber of Commerce to Oppose US Department of Labor’s Proposed Rules Regarding Independent Contractors

December 15, 2022

In October 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed new regulations to drastically redefine independent contractors and penalize employers that utilize these individuals by allowing the DOL to change their classification to an employee if the DOL believes the contractor is dependent on the one job.

Independent contractors have been used throughout the country for decades, but with recent scrutiny on some of the “gig” economy workforce, the DOL seeks to overturn policies created by the Trump administration that protected the use of independent contractors.

Many companies in the region and state continue to utilize the unique skills that independent contractors bring to the table, while keeping the freedom that comes with having temporary contracts. A drastic realignment of who employers are allowed to hire would erase the innovation available with a flexible workforce.

In partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Detroit Regional Chamber signed on to opposition of the new rules and will continue to advocate for employer freedoms.