The National Association of Manufacturers filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday that asserts the Labor Department regulations violate the free speech rights of employers.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers support the overall deal, yet they and other business groups warn the fees will have a negative impact.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said a major challenge hindering advancement was the lack of flexibility for women raising young children.

The study found that nearly 30 percent of companies hit with the highest penalties for federal labor law violations from 2007 to 2012 were also federal contractors.

A federal appeals court has ruled that employers can require their workers to sign arbitration agreements waiving all rights to class action lawsuits over workplace grievances.

Federal officials said Monday they are prepared to file formal complaints against Wal-Mart for allegedly violating the legal rights of protesting workers last year.

The agency's seventh straight annual loss came despite its first growth in revenue since 2008.

Safety advocates said the proposal will put more pressure on companies to comply with workplace safety rules.