"NRF staunchly opposes a change in this important area of law, which is both unwarranted and unnecessary."
WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French regarding the new proposed rule from the Department of Labor on independent contractor status.
“The modern workplace is more complex in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Retailers, along with countless other employers, maintain a wide range of business relationships with independent contractors, including billing, facility maintenance, data analysis, delivery, marketing and other critical services.
“The current rules clearly define the difference between employees and independent contractors, providing much-needed legal certainty for employers, employees and independent contractors alike. The changes being proposed by the Labor Department will significantly increase costs for businesses across all industries, and further drive already rampant inflation.
“NRF staunchly opposes a change in this important area of law, which is both unwarranted and unnecessary. This decision will only foster massive confusion, endless litigation, reduced innovation and fewer opportunities for employees and independent contractors alike.”
About NRF
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com