A New Dawn for Disability Inclusion: Biden Administration Seeks to End Subminimum Wages
Washington, D.C. – In a landmark move to prioritize employment equity, the Biden administration proposed a rule change that aims to eliminate the practice of paying disabled workers less than the federal minimum wage. This decision, announced by the U.S. Department of Labor, marks a significant step toward ensuring fair wages and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
“We believe that every American, regardless of their disability, deserves to earn a fair wage for their work," said a Department of Labor spokesperson.
The existing system, which allows employers to obtain special certificates allowing them to pay subminimum wages to disabled workers, has long been criticized as discriminatory and exploitative. While proponents of the certificates argue that they provide employment opportunities for individuals who might otherwise struggle to find work, critics argue that the system perpetuates inequality and devalues the contributions of disabled workers.
The proposed rule change would gradually phase out these certificates, ultimately bringing all worker wages under the federal minimum wage standard. This move is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of disabled Americans, many of whom have been trapped in low-paying jobs for years.
"Days of disabled workers earning less than $7.25 an hour may soon be over," declared an ABC News report, highlighting the potential for monumental change.
The Biden administration’s proposal has met with praise from disability rights advocates who have long campaigned for an end to subminimum wages.
"Companies Can Pay Disabled People Below Minimum Wage. The Department of Labor Wants to Change That," reported Mother Jones, emphasizing the urgency of this reform. "This movement is long overdue," was isComment from a disability advocate group, signifying a hope for a more equitable future.
The proposed rule change is now open for public comment, and a final decision is expected in the coming months. The outcome is sure to have far-reaching implications for disability rights and the landscape of employment in America.
Associated Press — (link to WaPo article embedded here)
Associated Press — (link to NYT article embedded here)
Associated Press — (link to US Department of Labor article embedded here)
Associated Press — (link to ABC News article embedded here)
Associated Press — (link to Mother Jones article embedded here)
