Executive Order: Federal Contractors Accountable for Workers' Rights, Wage and Workplace Violations

CWA President Larry Cohen issued this statement on President Obama's announcement of an executive order to ensure that federal contractors follow the laws governing workers' wages, working conditions and rights on the job:

"The federal government, as an employer, should set the standard for ensuring that all workers are treated fairly and their workplace rights recognized. This action by the President not only will establish a mechanism that ensures workers are treated fairly and lawfully, but is a good step toward providing incentives for employers who practice collective bargaining and follow other labor standards.

"Currently, there are about 24,000 contractors doing business with the federal government, employing about 28 million workers. By requiring prospective federal contractors to disclose labor law violations, including illegal discrimination and firing of workers who want to exercise their right to organize, more companies may decide that obeying the law and respecting workers' rights is the smart move after all.

"We look forward to working with the White House and the Department of Labor on this order."