ABA Family Legal Guide

Law and the Workplace

Federal Laws Regulating the Workplace

What is Executive Order 11246?

Executive Order 11246 imposes obligations on employers with a federal contract or subcontract. If a contract is worth at least $10,000, the employer can't lawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The nondiscrimination requirement is essentially the same as that imposed under Title VII. If a contract is worth at least $50,000 and the contractor employs at least fifty employees, the employer must also develop and use an affirmative action plan.

The Rehabilitation Act prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors who have contracts in excess of $2,500 from discriminating against people with disabilities. It also requires them to take affirmative action to employ people with disabilities.