Subpart 22.21
Establishing Paid Sick Leave For Federal Contractors
FAR Subpart 22.21 requires federal contractors and subcontractors to provide paid sick leave to covered employees, ensuring compliance with Executive Order 13706 and standardizing worker protections across federal contracts.
Overview
FAR Subpart 22.21 implements the requirements of Executive Order 13706, establishing paid sick leave for employees working on or in connection with certain federal contracts. This subpart outlines the policy, applicability, exclusions, and specific requirements for providing paid sick leave to covered employees. It also addresses prohibited acts, waiver of rights, multiemployer plans, enforcement mechanisms, and the required contract clause. The subpart is designed to ensure that federal contractors and subcontractors provide a minimum standard of paid sick leave, enhancing worker protections and promoting consistent labor standards across federal procurement.
Key Rules
- Scope and Definitions
- Defines the coverage and key terms related to paid sick leave for federal contractors.
- Policy and Applicability
- Establishes the federal policy requiring paid sick leave and specifies which contracts and employees are covered.
- Exclusions
- Identifies contracts and employees that are not subject to these requirements.
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements
- Details accrual rates, usage, and carryover provisions for paid sick leave.
- Prohibited Acts and Waiver of Rights
- Prohibits retaliation and waiving of employee rights under this subpart.
- Multiemployer Plans
- Addresses how paid sick leave can be provided through multiemployer plans or similar arrangements.
- Enforcement and Contract Clause
- Outlines enforcement procedures and mandates inclusion of a specific contract clause in applicable contracts.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure inclusion of the required contract clause and monitor compliance.
- Contractors: Must provide paid sick leave in accordance with the requirements, maintain records, and avoid prohibited acts.
- Agencies: Oversee enforcement and handle complaints or violations.
Practical Implications
- This subpart standardizes paid sick leave for employees on federal contracts, impacting payroll, recordkeeping, and HR policies for contractors.
- Failure to comply can result in enforcement actions, including withholding of payments or contract termination.
- Contractors must carefully review contract applicability, exclusions, and ensure all HR practices align with these requirements.