What’s happening: Recently, the US Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Wage and Hour Division released four opinion letters around the application of federal labor standards.

• These opinion letters are focused on a joint-employer relationship, family medical leave, tip pooling, and “emergency pay” under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

Why it matters: The opinion letters provide official written interpretations that address questions and explain how laws apply to specific factual circumstances presented by individuals or organizations that may ​also have a broader interest to those impacted by the issue presented.  

Take a look at the division’s new opinion letters page to explore past guidance and submit new requests.

• As noted in DOL’s news release on the new opinion letters, the division will exercise discretion in determining whether and how it will respond to each request, which will focus primarily on attempting to address issues of broad-based concern. 

More questions? The Wage and Hour Division offers compliance assistance resources to provide employers information around complying with the law.

• Employers and workers can also contact the division at its toll-free number, 1-866-4-US-WAGE (487-9243).