Department of Labor Audits Increase

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that it will increase actions to ensure compliance with wage payment and workplace rights, particularly in the warehouse and logistics industries.

Citing the increase in demands and constraints on the global supply chain, the DoL issued a Warehouse and Logistics Worker Initiative. The DoL has committed to ensure that industry workers and drivers are

• Paid their legally earned wages, including minimum wage payment and payment of overtime;
• Safe from harassment or retaliation if they claim their rights; and
• Permitted to take time off from work as required under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

The DoL will also review misclassification of employees as independent contractors which happens when businesses do not want to provide workers required pay or legal protections. Outreach, audits and enforcement will be applied to ensure compliance with wage payment and other worker protection laws.