National Disability Council Wants Phase-Out Of Subminimum Wage for Disabled Workers

The 14(c) program, under which the Labor Department certifies some employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage, should be phased out, according to a report released Aug. 23 by the National Council on Disability.

NCD, an independent federal agency, estimated that 420,000 persons with disabilities are in the program, which is authorized by Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. NCD reviewed pertinent research studies and visited seven states that are transitioning from 14(c) programs to supported employment programs—competitive work in integrated work settings—and concluded that the 14(c) program should be phased out. ...