A Smartphone App To Show Enforcement History of Establishments?
The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) is seeking assistance in preparing a smartphone application which would “transform the way the public is able to use department enforcement data.” A USDOL spokesman indicated that the app would be used to allow consumers the opportunity to see if the establishment they wish to frequent has been in compliance with federal labor laws. In addition, the USDOL has indicated that the new app would allow individuals an easier way to contact the USDOL, presumably to report possible wage and hour violations. Enforcement data has already been prepared in a software friendly format and posted on a different USDOL website so that innovative developers will have easier access to the data.
The USDOL has stated that submissions of sample apps are due on October 11, 2013, with the winner to be announced on November 2, 2013. The winner will receive a complimentary trip to Washington, DC, for the announcement. One can reasonably expect that, by 2014, the USDOL will have a sponsored wage and hour smartphone app in place to assist consumers in making selections while facilitating the reporting of wage and hour compliance concerns. Further information about the app challenge can be found here: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/whd/WHD20131274.htm