September 17, 2010 – “The National Prevailing Wage and Helpdesk Center (NPWHC) has changed its name to the National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC). Contact information for the NPWC will remain the same except for the name change, as provided below: U.S. Department of Labor-ETA, National Prevailing Wage Center, 1341 G Street, NW Suite 201, Washington, DC 20005-3105. Please continue to direct questions related to prevailing wage determinations or the prevailing wage determination process to FLC.PWD@dol.gov. Important Note: The Chicago National Processing Center (temporary foreign labor certification programs) and the Atlanta National Processing Center (permanent foreign labor certification program) will continue to provide assistance with program-related inquiries.”

DOL SECRETARY SOLIS ANNOUNCES THE DEPARTMENT TO EXERCISE ITS AUTHORITY TO CERTIFY U VISAS.

“On March 15, 2010 Secretary Solis announced that the Department of Labor (“DOL”) will begin exercising its authority to certify applications for U Nonimmigrant Status Visas (”U Visas”).”

So, what is the big fuss, you may ask? Well, if U.S. employers take a close look at the rules and regulations . . . it means that the U.S. Department of Labor has another enforcement tool in its “bag of tricks.”

The DOL can afford U Visa status to any foreign nationals that help the DOL investigate employers who are involved in Wage and Hour Violations and other Workplace Violations.

Employers need to be mindful (more then ever before) that they should carefully follow all of the DOL’s rules and regulations.

CLICK on the link below to read the U Visa Certification Announcement from the DOL:

http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/opa/opa20100312-fs.htm