The regulations applicable to employment are so difficult to understand even the United States Department of Labor does not understand them – and they made them!

In August, the Department of Labor (DOL) employee union announced that the Department of Labor had agreed to pay $7 million to settle a ten-year-old worker grievance that DOL workers allegedly were not paid for off-the-clock work from 2003 through 2013. Two to three thousand workers will split the settlement.

Imagine that – the DOL violated the law it established. If the Department of Labor cannot properly implement its own rules, what chance is there for private businesses? It is imperative that you do not try to figure out the employment rules alone. You are likely not qualified.

Consult with your attorney to obtain his or her best guess as to how the DOL is likely to interpret and enforce laws applicable to employees.

The information presented is not intended to be, and does not constitute, “legal advice.” Because each situation varies, and only brief summary information is provided here, you should not use this information as a basis for action unless you have independently verified with your own counsel that it applies to your particular situation.