The U.S. Department of Labor, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has announced a sweeping plan to repeal or revise more than 60 labor regulations deemed “obsolete” by the executive branch.

The proposed measures would impact sectors including construction, mining, entertainment, and workers in home healthcare, as well as migrant laborers and people with disabilities.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer stated that the initiative aims to reduce regulatory burdens on employers and increase productivity. “We are proud to lead the largest rollback of regulations in the federal government,” she said.

However, labor unions and worker advocacy groups warn that the proposed changes would endanger millions of workers, particularly women, migrants, and racialized communities.

Key Proposed Changes

One of the most significant proposals would remove the right to minimum wage and overtime pay for 3.7 million home healthcare workers, unless protected by state law. This would overturn a 2013 regulation enacted during the Obama administration.

Mandatory safety requirements, such as the use of seatbelts in employer-provided transportation, would be eliminated. Protections against employer retaliation for reporting abuses would also be rolled back. Groups such as Farmworker Justice have warned that such measures would leave migrant workers even more vulnerable.

Lighting requirements at construction sites would be repealed based on the argument that they do not significantly reduce risk. Safety experts counter that poor lighting is a leading cause of fatal workplace accidents.

The authority of regional mine safety officials to mandate improvements in ventilation, collapse prevention, and training programs in coal mines would be curtailed. The administration argues that such decisions should be made by Congress.

One of the most controversial proposals would limit the enforcement powers of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The agency would be restricted from sanctioning employers in fields considered “inherently risky,” such as extreme sports, animal shows, and entertainment performances. This change would exempt employers of actors, athletes, dancers, and journalists from certain responsibilities.

While business groups and conservative organizations have praised the proposal as a step toward efficiency and cost reduction, labor unions and human rights advocates have condemned it as a historic rollback of worker protections.

“Too many people already die on the job. This will only make the problem worse,” said Rebecca Reindel, director of occupational safety and health at the AFL-CIO.

The Department of Labor is expected to begin the formal review process in the coming weeks.