Double Trouble for Employers?

A new program launched by the U. S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the American Bar Association (ABA) in late 2010 could mean more employment-related lawsuits this year.

The program, part of the Obama administration’s Middle Class Task Force initiative, is designed to help workers resolve complaints received by DOL’s Wage and Hour Division, such as not getting paid the minimum wage or overtime or being wrongfully denied family medical leave, according to a press release from the White House. 

The DOL resolves more than 20,000 employment-related complaints every year, according to the White House, but limited resources prevent the agency from pursuing more complaints.

In December 2010, the DOL began providing some workers with a newly created toll-free number that will connect them with an ABA-approved attorney referral service so they can find a qualified lawyer to help with their claims, according to the White House.

The program is a first-of-its kind partnership between a federal agency and the private bar, according to a press release from the ABA. The ABA said it will use its role as national coordinator of state and local bar association Lawyer Referral and Information Services to help provide access to individuals with employment-related legal problems.

 

CalChamber members can use HRCalifornia’s Law Library to get detailed information on wages  and leaves of absence. Also, CalChamber members can use the Leave Interaction Wizard to understand how leaves of absence overlap.

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