The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division recently issued four new opinion letters addressing key wage-and-hour issues under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including overtime exemptions, bonus calculations, meal periods, and compensable work time.
The opinion letters provide official written interpretations from the division that address questions from individuals, companies, or organizations. They explain how the FLSA applies to the specific factual circumstances presented and may also have a broader interest to others impacted by the same or similar issues.
DOL notes that employers are encouraged to use the agency’s industry-specific compliance assistance toolkits to learn about their responsibilities under the laws enforced by the division. The agency’s PAID program offers employers an opportunity to self-report and resolve potential minimum wage and overtime violations under the FLSA, as well as certain potential violations under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Workers and employers can call the Wage and Hour Division with questions and requests for compliance assistance at its toll-free helpline, 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).