The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) has officially expressed its support for the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution, introduced in both the House and Senate, aimed at preserving the independent contractor model. This legislative effort seeks to repeal the Department of Labor’s (DOL) final rule on “Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.” According to IANA, this rule poses a significant threat to millions of independent contractors, including a majority of intermodal truck drivers, by potentially reclassifying them as employees against their will.
Joni Casey, President and CEO of IANA, emphasized the critical role of the intermodal industry in the nation’s economy, highlighting that for decades, over 80% of intermodal drivers have opted to work as independent contractors. The DOL’s recent rulemaking, she argues, endangers this preference, threatening to eliminate their autonomy and the opportunity for these individuals to invest in and operate their own businesses. Without intervention from Congress, the implementation of the DOL’s regulations could adversely affect the nation’s supply chain, leading to driver shortages, delayed goods movement, and increased costs for consumers.
IANA praised Senator Cassidy of Louisiana and Congressman Kiley of California, along with their colleagues, for acknowledging the significant economic and workforce challenges posed by the new independent contractor rule. The association is advocating for the swift passage of the CRA resolution to prevent the DOL’s rule from coming into effect, emphasizing the urgency of the situation with the rule set to take effect on March 11, 2024.
This support from IANA highlights the ongoing debate over the classification of workers in the transportation sector and the broader implications for the U.S. economy and supply chain stability.
Credits:
- Railway Age, “IANA Backs Legislation Halting DOL Rulemaking”.
