DOL to Hire More Enforcement Agents - What This Means for Employers

The United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is responsible for enforcement of a variety of federal labor laws. Enforcement activity includes such areas as federal minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and others. 

Recently it was announced that the DOL is planning on hiring an additional 100 WHD investigators. This seems to signal that enforcement activity will increase. What are the investigators looking for?

Click HERE for a very interesting article called "Wage and Hour Case Studies: Exploring DOL Violation Trends." The article includes an overview of several real-world cases and provides information on how employers can avoid violations.

While most employers don’t struggle much with minimum wage and overtime rules, leaves of absence (particularly FMLA) can trip up an inexperienced HR professional. The article says the following:

“FMLA violations can be particularly costly, as they may involve paying back employees’ lost wages. Employers should ensure that managers, employees and other stakeholders understand their FMLA rights.. Understanding these details can help prevent wrongful termination and significant monetary penalties.”

Employers should always be vigilant about compliance. This information is related to Federal Law, but State regulations can be even more extensive and complicated.

We monitor workplace developments and work hard to push out relevant communications that will have an impact on you. If you have compliance concerns that need to be addressed, please contact me. We’re always here to help!

Sandra1

Sandra Teague, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
President, OneSource Division
Connor & Gallagher OneSource (CGO)
info@GoCGO.com
 
 

This blog is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice.

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