Wage and Hour Defense Blog

In the current economic downturn, competition for desirable positions of employment is keen. Ambitious job seekers may approach an employer asking for an unpaid position to gain experience, skills and contacts. While such a relationship may prove mutually advantageous, employers should remember that the DOL recently emphasized the FLSA's compensation requirements apply to employees who are required or allowed to work. The terms "to suffer or permit to work" have been construed expansively in order to effectuate the broad remedial purposes of the Act.