The Obama Administration Anticipated Increased Wage & Hour and OSHA Activity

Two Department of Labor (”DOL”) enforcement arms that directly may impact business operations under the Obama Administration are the Wage and Hour Division (”WHD”) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (”OSHA”). It is likely that the WHD, using its investigative and litigation authority, will scrutinize the manner in which business classifies and pays workers to an extent not seen in nearly three decades. It also is expected that OSHA will pursue increased penalties more energetically than in recent memory for conduct resulting in worksite accidents, failure to pass routine inspections and “whistleblower” retaliation, including criminal penalties. Aiding OSHA’s increased punitive efforts, Congress will reintroduce legislation which large Democratic majorities in both Houses, urged on by labor unions, are expected to pass.

You can read the complete articel linked below.

http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=86286&login=true

W. Garnett & Associates, HR Consultant

www.wgarnett.com

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