US Federal

Labor Department Orders Texas Companies to Pay $200K+ for Asbestos Whistleblower Retaliation

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has ordered two Texas construction companies to pay over $200,000 in back wages and damages to two workers fired for raising asbestos concerns. The companies must also reinstate the employees.

Labor Recovers Back Wages and Penalties from Denver Restaurant

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $61,568 in back wages for 11 Denver restaurant workers after an investigation found Tommy's Oriental Food Inc. unlawfully kept employee tips. The employer also paid a $990 civil penalty for Fair Labor Standards Act violations.

DOJ OIG: FBI Assistant Section Chief Misconduct Findings

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an investigative summary detailing findings of misconduct against an FBI Assistant Section Chief. The report, number 26-022, addresses the exhibition of a firearm and a lack of candor by the individual. This report is part of the DOJ's ongoing oversight of its components.

FTC Finalizes Order Against Adamas for No-Hire Agreements

The FTC has finalized a consent order against Adamas Amenity Services LLC, requiring the company to cease enforcing no-hire agreements. These agreements restricted building owners from hiring Adamas's employees without penalty, impacting wage and job growth for workers in New Jersey and New York City.

FTC Warns Apple CEO Over Alleged Bias in Apple News Content

The FTC has issued a warning letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding alleged bias in Apple News content. The letter states that if Apple misrepresents its news service or violates its terms of service, it could be in violation of the FTC Act.

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Power Converters

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted an investigation (337-TA-1484) into certain power converters, circuit board assemblies, and computing systems. The investigation is based on a complaint alleging infringement of patent claims related to imported products.

WHD Updates Child Labor Penalty Assessment Procedures

The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has updated its Field Assistance Bulletin regarding child labor civil money penalty assessments. This update introduces new assessment procedures for non-serious injury and non-injury violations, aiming to ensure consistent and full utilization of the agency's penalty authority.

DOL WHD Guidance on FLSA Independent Contractor Enforcement

The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) issued Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2025-1, providing new guidance to its staff on enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regarding independent contractor misclassification. Effective May 1, 2025, WHD will no longer apply the 2024 Rule's analysis and will revert to the standards outlined in Fact Sheet #13 (July 2008) and Opinion Letter FLSA 2019-6.

H-2A Rule Enforcement Suspended Pending Review and Injunctions

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division is suspending enforcement of the 2024 Final Rule concerning temporary agricultural employment protections. This action follows multiple federal court injunctions and is effective immediately.

WHD Limits Supervised Payments, No Liquidated Damages

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) issued Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2025-3, effective June 27, 2025, rescinding FAB 2021-2. The WHD will no longer supervise the payment of liquidated damages in administrative settlements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), limiting supervised payments to unpaid minimum wages or overtime compensation.