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The New York Attorney General criticized the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for implementing “Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program. He called it as an “amnesty” for labor law violators.

In a statement, AG Schneiderman said, “The Trump Labor Department’s ‘PAID Program’ is nothing more than a Get Out of Jail Free card for predatory employers.”

In addition, he emphasized that employers must repay stolen wages under state and federal laws. They must also pay damages to prevent them from repeating their violation of the labor law.

Furthermore, AG Schneiderman claimed that the PAID Program “allows employers to avoid any consequences for committing wage theft.” It also stops lawsuits intended to vindicate employee’s rights.”

Moreover, he emphasized that his office will continue to prosecute employers who will violate the law even if they participate in the PAID program.

“All workers deserve a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. We won’t hesitate to do what’s necessary to protect workers and deter wage theft,” said AG Schneiderman.

Since 2011, the AG’s office recovered over $30 million in stolen wages plus damages for 21,000 workers across New York.

DOL said PAID Program will expedite payment of back wages to workers

The implementation of the PAID pilot program will start this week across the United States. The program will last for approximately six months, after which the Labor Department will evaluate it and consider future options.

According to the DOL, the program will expedite the resolution of overtime and minimum wage violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Its primary objective is to resolve workers’ complaints against employers quickly without litigation. The program also aims to improve employers’ compliance with overtime and minimum wage law and ensure that employees receive they back wages faster.

Under the PAID program, employers are encouraged to perform audits and self-report any overtime or minimum wage violations. Employers will then work in good faith with the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) to correct their mistakes and repay 100% of back wages to affected employees.

The WHD will not impose penalties or liquidated damages to finalize a settlement with employers participating in the program. Those currently under investigation or litigation by the division may not participate in the program.