Each year, countless employers are subjected to wage and hour audits from the Department of Labor (DOL). Employers want to resolve the situation and pay back wages, but how can they without risking audits or lawsuits? The answer: Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID).
PAID is a new pilot program from the DOL—launched in early April—that allows employers to self-report wage and hour violations. The program tries to encourage self-reporting and to resolve violations quicker, without litigation.
PAID Overview
Essentially, employers conduct their own self-audits and calculate affected employees’ back wages. Next, that information is submitted to the DOL for review.
The DOL signs off on the amounts and other various paperwork, and then sends back summary agreements for employees to sign. The employees sign their summaries and the employer pays the agreed amounts.
PAID Benefits
By going through the PAID program, employers may save themselves from paying liquidated damages and civil monetary penalties.
PAID Drawbacks
Even if the employer follows all the program steps, employees are not required to accept the payment. This, among other loopholes, still leaves employers open to potential litigation. Additionally, PAID does not protect against future DOL audits.
For more information on this program, visit www.dol.gov/whd/paid.
Speak with Associated Underwriters Insurance about any general questions on the program. However, depending on the queries, you may need to consult legal counsel.
