Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and 26 other Democratic Senators in introducing the Fair Compensation for Low-Wage Contractor Employees Act, which would provide backpay for federal contractor and subcontractor employees who are working through or have been laid off during the government shutdown.
“Thousands of federal contractor and subcontractors across the country are currently furloughed or being forced to work without pay. Yet, unlike most federal workers, these contractors currently have no guarantee of receiving backpay, meaning this shutdown could do irreparable harm to their families and finances. This legislation will ensure critical support staff including janitorial, food service and security contractors who may face increased financial difficulties are protected from the harm of this senseless shutdown.”
BACKGROUND:
The Fair Compensation for Low-Wage Contractor Employees Act would ensure federal contractor and subcontractor employees, who do not typically receive backpay after a shutdown, are reimbursed for up to 200% of the federal poverty level for a family of four. The bill aims to help low-wage federal contractor employees, including janitorial, food, and security services workers.
###