As reported previously, the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has been staffing up in anticipation of more aggressive enforcement. Who will lead those enforcement efforts has recently come into question with the revelation that the Obama Administration’s nominee for Wage and Hour Administrator, Lorelei Boylan, has withdrawn from consideration for the post.
Coupled with the difficulties faced by Solicitor nominee Patricia Smith, who has a hold placed on her nomination by Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi, the Department lacks confirmed leaders in two of the most significant positions for wage and hour enforcement. Exactly what effect this absence might have on the enforcement efforts of the agency remains to be seen.
We will continue to post developments regarding the nomination and confirmation process for these two key positions.
UPDATED: The official White House press release announcing the withdrawal of Ms. Boylan’s nomination can be found here.