Here’s a handy list of government websites that will help employers deal with employee issues:
1. U.S. Department of Labor
The federal Department of Labor, now led by Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta, contains many relevant agencies, including:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
- Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
- Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS)
- Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
2. U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission
The EEOC enforces most of the federal employment discrimination laws.
3. National Labor Relations Board
The NLRB enforces the National Labor Relations Act. This law applies to most private employers, whether they have a unionized workforce or not.
4. Internal Revenue Service
Make sure you’re withholding payroll taxes properly!
5. New York State Department of Labor
Like the federal Department of Labor, the New York State Department of labor has a number of important divisions, including:
6. New York State Division of Human Rights
This agency enforces the New York State Human Rights Law. Among other things, that law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of numerous protected categories. (Check out my post on responding to employment discrimination complaints.)
7. New York State Public Employment Relations Board
Note that despite the name, this agency now also has jurisdiction over some private employers.
8. New York State Workers Compensation Board
The state agency that oversees both workers comp. and disability insurance matters. It will also regulate the New York Paid Family Leave Program.
9. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
Don’t forget state tax withholdings.
Checking out these government websites won’t answer all of your questions, but they may point you in the right direction. An experienced labor and employment attorney can help you dive deeper on tricky compliance issues. Signing up for my email newsletter may also help.