The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced that it will no longer enforce the 2024 Biden-era rule that tightened independent contractor classifications, signaling a return to the more flexible “economic realities” standard.

While the rule remains in effect for private lawsuits, DOL enforcement now aligns with the Trump administration’s approach. Manufacturers may benefit from this shift but must still contend with differing state laws, ongoing litigation, and the potential for future policy reversals.

OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has outlined the four things manufacturers need to know in the wake of this rule. 6/25/2025