Legal Definitions - Wage and Hour Division

The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is a part of the Employment Standards Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor. Its main responsibility is to enforce laws and regulations related to the workplace, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Employee Polygraph Protection Act.

For example, the WHD ensures that employees are paid at least the minimum wage and are compensated for overtime work. It also enforces laws that protect employees' rights to take time off for family or medical reasons and prohibits employers from using lie detector tests in most situations.

The WHD plays an important role in protecting workers' rights and ensuring that employers follow the law. By enforcing these laws, the WHD helps to create a fair and safe workplace for all employees.