Chewy v. US Department of Labor

Court: U.S. Court of Appeals

Date: 2023

Issue on Appeal: Whether the Department of Labor properly classified certain workers and applied federal labor standards, including whether the agency’s interpretation expands employer obligations beyond statutory limits.

RLC’s Position: The RLC argues that overly expansive interpretations of federal labor laws create uncertainty for retailers and other businesses that rely on flexible workforce models. Clear, predictable standards are essential for compliance and operational planning. Expanding employer liability beyond statutory intent increases costs, limits innovation in workforce management, and creates inconsistent enforcement across industries.

Other Amici: Chamber of Commerce of the United States and other business organizations.

Counsel: Counsel from national appellate and labor law practices representing amici curiae.