A Colorado river-rafting business is suing the U.S. Department of Labor over a new minimum wage for federal contractors, saying the rule will boost costs and potentially make river trips unaffordable for many families.
Arkansas Valley Adventures along with the Colorado River Outfitters Association filed the lawsuit Dec. 7 in U.S. District Court in Denver. They are represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, a libertarian-leaning law firm.
Duke Bradford, who owns Arkansas Valley Adventures, said he and the outfitters’ association decided to sue the federal government after asking for clarification of the new rule that will take effect Jan. 30. He said outfitters who have permits to operate on federal lands are considered federal contractors under the executive order signed by President Joe Biden in April.
Federal officials didn’t respond to letters voicing concerns about the wage rule’s impacts on the outdoor businesses, Bradford said. The outfitters say applying the minimum wage to their businesses will drive up costs for them and customers because rafting guides, typically paid a flat fee per trip, spend several days at a time on the job.
“I don’t think anyone sets out, I certainly didn’t, to sue the federal government and the Department of Labor and the current administration,” Bradford said. “It’s not an ideal way to go, but we were left with little options.”
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