
Labor Advocacy
As part of its advocacy efforts on labor and workforce issues, IFDA actively engages policymakers about regulations, legislation, and other federal actions that impact foodservice distributors.
We advocate in our own name and frequently join larger coalition efforts as well. Various public comments, letters, and other advocacy activities on specific policies are listed below.
DOL Heat Rule
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a rule to regulate heat in indoor and outdoor workplaces. IFDA opposes the rule, which is currently paused under the current administration.
DOL Overtime Rule
In 2023, DOL proposed a rule to increase overtime eligibility. IFDA opposed the rule. It was struck down by a federal court in 2024. An appeal is pending.
- Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity (PPWO) Letter Requesting Administration No Longer Defend Biden-Era Overtime Rule in Court (2025)
- PPWO Letter Requesting Jan. 1st Implementation Date Extension (2024)
- PPWO Letter Requesting Stay of Rule Pending Litigation Outcome (2024)
- PPWO Letter Requesting July 1st Implementation Date Extension (2024)
- PPWO Letter to Congress (2024)
- IFDA Public Comments (2023)
- PPWO Public Comments (2023)
- PPWO Comment Period Extension Request (2023)
DOL Walkaround Rule
In 2023, DOL proposed a rule to expand who may accompany a DOL inspector during an on-site workplace inspection. IFDA opposed the rule, but it took effect in 2024. Litigation is pending.
NLRB Joint Employer Rule
In 2022, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) proposed a rule to expand which businesses may be considered a joint employer for purposes of unionization and unfair labor practices liability. IFDA opposed the rule. It was struck down by a court in 2024.
- Coalition Letter to Congress (2024)
- Press Release re. Senate Resolution Overturning the Rule (2024)
- Press Release re. House Resolution Overturning the Rule (2024)
- IFDA Public Comments (2022)
Warehouse Worker Protection Act
In 2024, members of the House and Senate introduced the “Warehouse Worker Protection Act,” which would negatively affect nearly every warehouse across the country. IFDA opposes the legislation.
Additional Letters
IFDA signed onto additional letters either advocating for or against certain federal actions impacting labor policy.
- Opposition to “Faster Labor Contracts Act” (2025)
- Opposition to the “Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act” (2025)
- Support for Ending East Coast Ports Strike (2024)
- U.S. Supreme Court Amicus Brief re. FLSA Standard of Evidence (2024)
- Opposition to NLRB Board Member Nomination (2024)
- Hearing Request for NLRB Board Member Nomination (2024)
- Opposition to “Blacklisting” Provision in Workforce Bill (2024)
- Support for the “Start Applying Labor Transparency (SALT) Act” (2024)
- Opposition to the “Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act” (2024)
- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Amicus Brief re. Union Elections (2024)
- U.S. Supreme Court Amicus Brief re. Federal Agency Deference (2023)