Employment Standards Administration March 26, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of Labor (DOL or the Department) withdraws for further consideration an interpretation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) published on December 18 and 19, 2008. The interpretation, which was published at 73 FR 77148-52 (H-2A program) and 73 FR 78039-41 (H-2B program), articulated an opinion that the FLSA and its implementing regulations do not require employers to reimburse workers under the H- 2A and H-2B nonimmigrant visa programs, respectively, for relocation expenses even when such costs result in the workers being paid less than the minimum wage. This interpretation is hereby withdrawn for further consideration by the Department and may not be relied upon as a statement of agency policy.