Department of Labor Issues New Administrator’s Interpretation

Rather than release individualistic opinion letters interpreting the application of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the DOL will now issue broad Interpretations of the law. The DOL believes this will be a much more efficient and productive use of its resources. The DOL’s goal is to provide meaningful and comprehensive guidance and compliance assistance to the broadest number of employers by issuing interpretations of the law and regulations, applicable across-the-board to all those affected by the provision in issue. The DOL will still utilize requests for opinion letters to gauge which areas of law require additional clarity.