Labor Dept. Tries to Reassure Businesses at Launch of PAID Pilot

The Labor Department launched its self-reporting project April 3 by issuing new details that may entice more participation from some businesses, while scaring off others.

An employer that submits a self-audit showing it owes back pay to workers but is denied from participating in the program by the DOL Wage and Hour Division will likely not be exposed to a new investigation, the WHD stated in an expanded set of questions and answers. This addresses a key concern expressed by management attorneys in the weeks since the DOL announced the pilot March 6.

“If WHD declines an employer’s request ...