DOL Launches Public Awareness Campaign
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The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has created a website as part of its “We Can Help” public awareness campaign that provides information to workers on how to file a complaint to recover back wages, learn more about the worksite investigation process, and obtain general information about workplace rights and the DOL’s services. According to a press release, the campaign is specifically targeting employees in such industries as construction, janitorial work, hotel/motel services, food services and home health care.
The We Can Help initiative is being promoted in both English and Spanish via public service announcements, which provide employees with a toll-free hotline, 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243), to call for more information. The DOL recently added 250 new wage and hour investigators to the payroll with the express intent of beefing up its enforcement efforts. In addition, during a recent congressional hearing, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis explained that the DOL is requesting $244.2 million for the WHD’s fiscal year 2011 budget to support targeted investigations, compliance assistance, and the reduction of repeat violations of minimum wage, overtime, and workplace safety laws.
