The Nugget
- The Application of Labor Laws to Government Acquisitions ensures that federal contracts comply with labor standards, promoting fair labor practices, worker rights, and addressing issues like minimum wage, overtime pay, and the prohibition of forced labor.
Make it stick
- 📜 The primary aim of Part 22 is to ensure fair labor standards in government contracts.
- ⚖️ Contracts must address labor laws related to minimum wage, overtime, and child labor to protect workers.
- 🤝 Compliance with labor laws is enforced through contract clauses, ensuring accountability.
- 🛑 Contractors are prohibited from using forced or indentured child labor in fulfilling contracts.
Key insights
Overview of Labor Laws in Acquisitions
- Scope: Part 22 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) addresses labor policies applicable to government acquisitions and outlines enforcement measures.
- Contracting Policy: It prescribes various contract clauses that contractors must adhere to, promoting compliance with federal labor laws.
Key Subparts Under Part 22
Subpart 22.1 - Basic Labor Policies
- Outlines general policies for labor relations, reporting requirements for disputes.
- Specifies contractor responsibility for delays related to labor disputes.
Subpart 22.2 - Convict Labor
- Prohibits the use of convict labor unless specific conditions are met.
Subpart 22.3 - Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act
- Mandates that contracts include clauses on maximum work hours and overtime pay.
- Enforces compliance through monetary penalties for violations.
Subpart 22.4 - Labor Standards for Contracts Involving Construction
- Applies to contracts above $2,000 for construction, enforcing wage determinations and compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act.
Subpart 22.8 - Equal Employment Opportunity
- Enforces equal opportunity for all employees and prohibits discrimination in employment practices.
Subpart 22.10 - Service Contract Labor Standards
- Implements wage determinations and regulates working conditions for service industry contracts.
Subpart 22.21 - Establishing Paid Sick Leave For Federal Contractors
- Requires contractors to provide paid sick leave and details accrual, carryover, and usage policies.
Enforcement and Compliance
- Compliance Mechanisms: Involves regular audits, reports, and potential penalties, including contract terminations and debarments for violators.
- Department of Labor Oversight: The DOL monitors contractor compliance and can initiate investigations into violations.
Key quotes
- "The Government shall require contractors to allow employees performing work on or in connection with a contract covered by E.O. 13706 to accrue and use paid sick leave..."
- "Contractors must take affirmative action to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with disabilities."
- "All contracts subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards statute require minimum wages and fringe benefits, safe conditions..."
- "The provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act apply to all government contracts to furnish services in the U.S."
- "Violations render the responsible contractor liable for deductions, rebates, refunds, or underpayments to employees."
This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.