The wholesale distribution industry is the lynchpin of our nations supply chain, providing millions of Americans reliable, high paying jobs. The Department of Labor’s flawed and unprecedented salary threshold increase will negatively impact the industry and destabilize the economy.   

Washington, DC– The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), the voice of the $8 trillion wholesale distribution industry that employs over 6 million U.S. workers, has filed comments urging the Department of Labor to withdraw the overtime pay proposal.   

“The proposed overtime rule will negatively impact the wholesale distribution industry, especially at a time when the economy is vulnerable and we continue to deal with pervasive inflation and the ongoing threat of a recession,” said NAW Chief Government Relations Officer Brian Wild. “The Department’s increase of the current minimum salary threshold by nearly 70 percent will not serve its historical gatekeeping purpose, instead it will result in reduced opportunities for employees’ professional development, diminished workplace autonomy, and less flexibility for employees,” concluded Wild.   

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Founded in 1946, NAW comprises national, regional, and state employers of all sizes, industry trade associations, partners, and stakeholders spanning all distribution sectors. Our industry employs more than 6 million workers throughout the United States, accounting for 1/3 of the U.S. GDP. 35,000 wholesale distribution companies operate nearly 150,000 places of business across North America, including all 50 states.  

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