W.Va. Chamber Raises Concerns about Division of Labor’s Proposed Emergency Rules
December 15, 2014
Charleston, W.Va. – The W.Va. Chamber of Commerce is raising concerns about recent “emergency” rules filed by the state Division of Labor that would make significant changes to the state’s Minimum Wage and Maximum Hours Standards Regulations. The proposed rules are in reaction to House Bill 201 that was passed by the Legislature in May raising the state’s minimum wage.
“The increase of the minimum wage that passed the Legislature this past session received broad bi-partisan support. The proposed rules, however, would make changes far beyond the intended minimum wage increase and would create conflict and inconsistency with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act,” said Steve Roberts, president, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
Roberts continued, “We feel that many of the changes to the Minimum Wage and Maximum Hours Standards Regulations in the emergency rules are not authorized in the legislation that was passed on May 21. The Division of Labor appears to have overstepped its authority and these rules, if implemented, may lead to increased confusion and litigation. The Chamber, on behalf the state’s business community, urges the Division of Labor to immediately rescind its rules submittal and issue proposed rules that will match the clear intent of the statute changed by House Bill 201. Amending this rules proposal would ensure that the Division of Labor doesn’t overstep its authority and that the state’s business climate is protected.”
The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest, most influential business organization with members in all 55 counties, who employ over one-half of the state’s workforce. The Chamber is committed to improving education, fostering economic development and “Making West Virginia Irresistible to Business.” More information on the West Virginia Chamber can be found at www.wvchamber.com