Biden Moves to End Subminimum Wage for Disabled

The Biden administration's Department of Labor is poised to eliminate a longstanding policy allowing employers to pay disabled workers less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, a move supported by disability rights advocates. This policy, part of the Fair Labor Standards Act since 1938, has faced criticism for enabling discrimination under the guise of increasing employment opportunities for disabled individuals. The proposed rule would phase out the issuance of new certificates that permit these subminimum wages and allow existing certificates to expire over three years. Proponents argue this change could significantly increase wages for approximately 38,000 affected workers, while critics warn it might reduce job opportunities. The proposal aligns with President Joe Biden's campaign promise to ensure fair pay for all workers, although it could face opposition from the Trump administration. The Department of Labor anticipates that workers previously paid subminimum wages will transition to full-wage positions.