52.222-14 Disputes Concerning Labor Standards
Source: FAR 52.222-14 on acquisition.gov
Labor standards disputes must be resolved through Department of Labor procedures, not the contract’s standard dispute process.
Overview
FAR 52.222-14, "Disputes Concerning Labor Standards," establishes that any disputes related to labor standards requirements on government contracts must be resolved according to the procedures set forth by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in 29 CFR parts 5, 6, and 7. This clause overrides the standard contract Disputes clause for labor standards issues, meaning such disputes are not subject to the usual contract dispute resolution process. The clause applies to disputes involving the contractor, subcontractors, the contracting agency, the DOL, or employees and their representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that labor standards disputes are handled by the appropriate regulatory authority, streamlining the process and ensuring compliance with federal labor laws.
Key Rules
- Labor Standards Disputes
- All disputes concerning labor standards must follow DOL procedures in 29 CFR parts 5, 6, and 7.
- Exclusion from Standard Disputes Clause
- Labor standards disputes are not resolved under the contract’s general Disputes clause.
- Scope of Disputes
- Applies to disputes involving contractors, subcontractors, the contracting agency, DOL, and employees or their representatives.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must direct labor standards disputes to DOL procedures and not the standard contract dispute process.
- Contractors: Must follow DOL dispute resolution procedures for labor standards issues and inform subcontractors of this requirement.
- Agencies: Ensure disputes are referred to DOL and not handled under the contract’s general dispute process.
Practical Implications
- This clause ensures labor standards disputes are resolved by the DOL, not through standard contract dispute mechanisms.
- Contractors must be aware of and follow the specific DOL procedures for labor standards disputes.
- Failure to follow the correct process can delay resolution and risk noncompliance.
As prescribed in 22.407(a), insert the following clause:
Disputes Concerning Labor Standards (Feb 1988)
The United States Department of Labor has set forth in 29 CFR parts 5, 6, and 7 procedures for resolving disputes concerning labor standards requirements. Such disputes shall be resolved in accordance with those procedures and not the Disputes clause of this contract. Disputes within the meaning of this clause include disputes between the Contractor (or any of its subcontractors) and the contracting agency, the U.S. Department of Labor, or the employees or their representatives.
(End of clause)