Source: The DOL Newsletter, 7/31/14

Wage and Hour Investigators in the Fields to Protect Workers

This summer, the Wage and Hour Division is out in the fields, enforcing the law to protect the wages of agricultural workers and ensure a level playing field for growers. According to Administrator Dr. David Weil, who testified before a House panel on July 30, between Fiscal Year 2009 and FY 2013 the agency concluded nearly 7,500 investigations in agriculture, finding more than $20 million in back wages for more than 40,000 workers nationwide. Weil told lawmakers that the agency held nearly 600 outreach events during the same period to help employers understand their responsibilities. "We recognize the importance of the U.S. agricultural industry and the critical role it plays in not only putting food on our tables but also creating jobs and helping our nation's economy prosper," Weil said. "When used carefully, outreach and enforcement tools, including the 'hot good' provision, can achieve the Fair Labor Standards Act's objective of providing a fair day's pay for a fair day's work."

• Read Blog Post on Protecting Workers
• Read Blog Post on Compliance Outreach