Labor Department moves to reverse Trump rules that narrow worker protections

The Labor Department moved Thursday to end two rules established under the Trump administration that reduced federal labor protections for millions of workers.

The two rules both dealt with classifications of workers as employees or independent contractors, a distinction that governs whether an employer is required to provide benefits, including health care.

In a statement, the agency said it was proposing changes to two rules instituted under the previous administration: the Independent Contractor Final Rule, passed by the agency just days before President Biden took office in January, as well as a regulation issued by the Labor Department under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which was largely gutted by a court decision last year.

"The Wage and Hour Division's mission is to protect and respect the rights of workers. Rescinding these rules would strengthen protections for workers, including the essential frontline workers who have done so much during these challenging times," a Labor Department spokesperson said.

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