At John’s Crazy Socks, our mission has always been to spread happiness and demonstrate what people with differing abilities can achieve. That’s why we are thrilled to see the U.S. Department of Labor take a monumental step toward inclusion, fairness, and decency by proposing the elimination of subminimum wages for workers with disabilities.
Under current law, Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 allows employers to pay individuals with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage. Some workers have earned as little as $0.05 per hour. It’s an outdated and unjust practice that, instead of supporting people with disabilities, has held them back. The newly proposed rule would immediately stop issuing new certificates that allow subminimum wages and phase out the approximately 710 existing certificates over a three-year transition period.
This is a victory for people with disabilities—and for all of us.
Our Commitment to Change
At John’s Crazy Socks, we’ve been fighting for years to eliminate the subminimum wage. John and I have testified before Congress, met with legislators and their staff, and partnered with organizations like the CEO Commission for Disability Employment and the National Down Syndrome Society. While we’ve played a part in this movement, we are not alone. We’ve worked alongside countless advocates, disability organizations, employers, and self-advocates who have made their voices heard.
We’re proud to have contributed to this change, but this is a collective victory, one made possible by the power of a united community demanding justice.
Why Eliminating the Subminimum Wage Makes Sense
At John’s Crazy Socks, we witness every day the incredible value that people with differing abilities bring to the workplace. More than half of our colleagues have a disability. They work hard and help us achieve our mission. We succeed because of the good work they do. Our colleagues deserve fair pay and we make sure they receive fair pay from us.
Hiring people with differing abilities isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business. We’ve seen how inclusion drives productivity, morale, and retention rates. Where others struggle to find employees, we have a surplus of excellent candidates because people want to work where they are valued.
Ending the subminimum wage is not only morally right, but it also reflects good economic and employment practices. It ensures that every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to earn a living wage and contribute fully to their workplace and community.
What’s Next?
The proposed rule by the Department of Labor is a step forward, but the work isn’t finished. This change will take time to implement, and we must continue to advocate for competitive, integrated employment for all individuals with disabilities. The Department will seek public comment on the proposed regulatory change and we urge you to comment, make your voice heard.
At John’s Crazy Socks, we remain committed to spreading awareness and building a world where everyone has the opportunity to shine. We will continue to support policies and initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for people with differing abilities.
As we celebrate this victory, let’s remember that this is a win for everyone. By ending the subminimum wage, we’re not only lifting up individuals with disabilities but also enriching our workplaces, communities, and society.
Together, we can build a more inclusive future—one sock, one job, and one step at a time.
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $800,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit ourwebpage,Facebook page,Instagram account,TikTok orYouTube channel.You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email atservice@johnscrazysocks.com.
