Senate Blocks Nominee for Wage and Hour Division Administrator - SHRM
On March 30, the Senate blocked David Weil—a critic of the gig workforce—from once again becoming administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL's) Wage and Hour Division. We've gathered articles on the news from SHRM Online and other media outlets.
Close Vote
The Senate's 47-53 vote on a motion to proceed blocked a final vote on Weil to be the Wage and Hour Division administrator. Weil came under criticism from business groups and Republicans over his scrutiny of gig-economy's labor practices. Weil served as Wage and Hour Division administrator in the Obama administration.
Stricter Independent-Contractor Test Favored by Weil
Weil has called for a stricter test that would render most gig workers employees. "Weil has made no secret of his belief that independent contractors used by many gig companies should be classified as employees," said J. Hagood Tighe, an attorney with Fisher Phillips in Columbia, S.C.
Three Democratic Senators Oppose Weil
Democratic Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., voted against the procedural vote to advance Weil's nomination. Business groups have disagreed with Weil on issues like independent contractor classification, joint employment designations and overtime pay.
(Politico)
Murray Expresses Disappointment
In a statement following the failed nomination, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, chairwoman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said, "I'm incredibly...
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