Department of Labor Announces Updated Sex Discrimination Regulations for Federal Contractors

For the first time in over forty years, the Department of Labor is publishing new sex discrimination regulations for federal contractors to reflect the current state of the law. The final rule updates the sex discrimination regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and makes explicit the protections against compensation discrimination; sexually hostile work environments; discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions; and discrimination based on unlawful sex stereotypes, gender identity, and transgender status. The regulations also promote fair pay practices. The new rule also implements Executive Order 11246, which prohibits companies with federal contracts and subcontractors from discriminating in employment on the basis of sex. These updated regulations should afford additional clarity and consistency for federal contractors and subcontractors, as they now reflect existing federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex.

The DOL’s final rule can be found here:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2016-13806.pdf

Executive Order 11246 is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/statutes/eo11246.htm

Lindsey L. Dunn
ldunn@williamsparker.com
941-552-2556