Department of Labor
The Department of Labor is the federal agency responsible for workers, job seekers, and retirees. It enforces workplace laws, pays for job training and unemployment insurance systems, protects employee benefits, and gathers the data that shows how the labor market is doing. Its offices work with employers, unions, states, and courts.
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All Articles on Department of Labor
Intermittent FMLA Leave: Your Guide to Flexible, Job-Protected Time Off
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offers crucial job protection for employees needing time off for specific family and medical reasons. While many…
How Much FMLA Leave Can I Take? Understanding Your Right to 12 Weeks Off
FMLA leave depends on eligibility, qualifying reasons and the employer’s leave year. Rules cover counting time, pay, paperwork, job protection and denials.
FMLA Eligibility: Who Qualifies for Job-Protected Leave in the U.S.?
Navigating time off work for family or medical reasons can be stressful. Concerns about job security often add to an already difficult situation. The…
What to Expect After Filing a Wage Complaint
If you believe your employer hasn't paid you correctly – maybe you're missing overtime pay, weren't paid minimum wage, or faced illegal deductions –…
Filing a Wage Complaint: How to Report Unpaid Wages to the U.S. Department of Labor
When an employer fails to pay legally owed wages, workers have the right to seek recourse. The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Wage and…
Understanding Tipped Employees, Tip Credits, and Minimum Wage
Working in a job where tips are a significant part of your earnings involves a unique set of pay rules governed by the U.S.…
Understanding Youth Employment: Federal Child Labor Laws
Federal laws governing youth employment ensure work doesn't harm young people's health, well-being, or educational opportunities. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), enacted in…
Can My Employer Deduct Money From My Paycheck? Understanding Legal Limits in the U.S.
Seeing deductions on your paycheck can sometimes be confusing or concerning. While some deductions are expected and legally required, others might raise questions. This…
Independent Contractor or Employee? Understanding DOL Guidance Under the FLSA
How a business classifies its workers—as employees or independent contractors—is more than just a label. This classification determines whether workers receive fundamental protections and…
Final Paycheck Laws: When Employers Must Pay Departing Employees
The end of an employment relationship involves several administrative steps, with the final paycheck being a crucial element. Understanding when and how this final…