Maryland Joins 22-State Push to Block Federal Labor Rule

3 articles · Updated · Maryland Daily Record · Jun 26

Maryland joined a Pennsylvania-led 22-state coalition urging the U.S. Labor Department to withdraw a proposed joint-employment rule, saying it would weaken worker protections and make wage theft harder to pursue.
The proposal would narrow when more than one business can be held legally responsible under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.
Pennsylvania and other states argue the change would let companies shield themselves behind contractors, staffing firms or subcontractors, while creating conflicts with federal case law and reviving a version of a 2020 standard struck down in court.
Low-wage sectors including agriculture and construction could be hit hardest because workers there are often directed or scheduled by multiple businesses, making joint-employer liability central to recovering unpaid wages.

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Maryland Daily Record60d ago

Maryland Joins 22-State Coalition Opposing Federal Joint Employment Rule Weakening Worker Protections

WGAL Susquehanna Valley Pa.63d ago

Pennsylvania Leads 20+ States Opposing US Labor Dept. Joint Employment Rule

The Times Weekly62d ago

AG Raoul, State Coalition Oppose Federal Joint Employment Rule Weakening Worker Protections

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Will a new federal rule make it harder for workers to recover unpaid wages?

As 22 states challenge federal policy, is a legal battle over workplace liability inevitable?

Pennsylvania and 21 States Oppose 2026 DOL Joint Employment Rule, Citing Threats to Worker Protections

Overview

In June 2026, Pennsylvania, led by Governor Josh Shapiro, brought together a coalition of 22 states and several labor agencies to oppose a proposed U.S. Department of Labor rule on joint employment. This coalition, which includes Attorneys General from states like California, New York, and Virginia, as well as state labor departments from Illinois, Maine, and others, is concerned that the rule could weaken worker protections and reduce employer accountability. Their unified stance highlights widespread apprehension that the new rule may make it harder to hold companies responsible for labor violations, potentially leaving workers more vulnerable.

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