The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced an initiative to add 100 investigators to its Wage and Hour Division (WHD)—a potential sign to employers that increased enforcement may be on the horizon.
The WHD is tasked with enforcing comprehensive labor laws that affect more than 148 million workers. This latest push for WHD investigators tracks with the White House’s larger agenda of strengthening workers’ rights.
According to the DOL, the core enforcement obligations of WHD investigators include:
- Conducting investigations to determine if employers are paying workers and affording them their rights as the law requires
- Helping ensure that law-abiding employers are not undercut by employers who violate the law
- Promoting compliance through outreach and public education initiatives
- Supporting efforts to combat worker retaliation and worker misclassification as independent contractors
In fiscal year 2021, the WHD collected $230 million in wages owed to 190,000 workers, according to the DOL.
“Adding 100 investigators to our team is an important step in the right direction.” – Acting WHD Administrator Jessica Looman
What’s Next?
This addition of WHD investigators could translate to an increase in enforcement in 2022.
This means employers should continue to review relevant workplace laws to ensure wage and hour compliance. Common violations include worker misclassification, unpaid overtime, tip theft, insufficient break periods and failure to provide protected leave. Employers concerned about potential violations are encouraged to speak with legal counsel.
