DOL announces a new weapon to enforce wage-and-hour compliance

Thanks to a web-based tool, workers can now take an active role in ensuring they’re accurately paid.

The DOL launched a smartphone app that lets employees track the hours they worked and calculate the exact amount they should see on their next paycheck.  (http://www.dol.gov/whd/).

Here’s how a DOL press release sells the concept:
“Users conveniently can track regular work hours, break time and any overtime hours for one or more employees.  This new technology is significant because, instead of relying on their employers’ records, workers now can keep their own records.”

You don’t have to read between the lines.  The DOL goes on to state the obvious:  “This information could prove invaluable during a Wage and Hour Division investigation when an employer has failed to maintain accurate employment records.”

The FREE app only works with the iPhone and iPod Touch.  But don’t worry, the feds are working on other software aimed at other types of smartphones, such as  Android and BlackBerry.  The DOL also says it “will explore….other pay features not currently provided for, such as tips, commissions, bonuses, deductions, holiday pay, pay for weekends, shift differentials, etc.”

Why do we mention this, because AdvanStaff wants to make sure client subscribers are keeping accurate time records for employees.  As some have already experienced, the DOL and the Nevada Labor Commission appear to rule in favor of the “employee” a higher percent of the time than the employer.