Arlington, VA – Today, Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule clarifying independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):

“ACD applauds the DOL for reviewing the classification of independent contractors and rescinding the 2024 proposed rulemaking, which made worker classification more ambiguous and disrupted longstanding business models. This proposed rule is welcome news, as it brings much-needed certainty to our member companies by establishing a fair and commonsense economic reality test for determining worker classification under the FLSA. By providing greater clarification, this decision will help fuel a strong chemical distribution industry and support a robust American economy.”

Last year, President Trump announced an executive order calling for industry stakeholders to identify burdensome regulations agencies should reconsider. On February 28, 2025, ACD submitted a letter to the DOL outlining the administrative burdens this independent contractor rulemaking placed on ACD members.

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The Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) partners with our more than 400 chemical distribution industry members to provide the education, connection, standards, and advocacy they need to responsibly move the essential products our world depends on. As leaders in the $27B+ chemical distribution industry, ACD member companies commit to the highest standards in quality, safety, sustainability, and performance through ACD Responsible Distribution™. For more information, visit www.acd-chem.com.