On Feb. 8, 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a news release announcing the latest initiative of the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division. According to the announcement, the impact the global supply chain demand and constraints has placed on the warehouse and logistic industries is “enormous,” warranting the Wage and Hour Division to focus on protecting the wages and workplace rights of the workers who work in those industries.
The warehouse and logistics initiative will focus on four areas of enforcement, ensuring workers are:
The jobs held by workers in the warehouse and logistics industries that will be of focus is broad and includes “warehouse workers, delivery drivers, truck drivers and others in the warehousing and logistics industries.” According to the Acting Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, Jessica Looman, the Wage and Hour Division “will use all of its tools” to ensure employers comply with federal labor laws. The tools referenced include education, outreach and “vigorous enforcement.”
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR WAREHOUSE AND LOGISTICS COMPANIES
Now is the time to review your employment policies and practices to ensure they are up to date and administered consistently. This review should include: