The U.S. Department of Labor has introduced several self-audit programs aimed at helping employers, unions, and pension plans voluntarily assess and improve their compliance with federal labor laws. These initiatives are intended to enhance worker protections while minimizing the need for formal investigations or litigation.
Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling emphasized the importance of self-audits in building a culture of compliance and trust. “These programs are designed to give employers, unions, and benefit plan officials the tools they need to correct potential violations proactively," he stated. "By empowering the regulated community with clarity and collaboration, we are continuing to fulfill the Department of Labor’s mission to put both workers and employers first.”
Several agencies within the department have launched specific self-audit programs:
- The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) offers two key self-correction programs: the Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program and the Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program.
- The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has introduced a new Compliance Assistance in Safety and Health program available through an information hub on its website.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is expanding its Voluntary Protection Programs and increasing support for voluntary compliance through its On-Site Consultation Program.
- The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) administers the Voluntary Compliance Partnership program focused on union compliance with reporting, disclosure requirements, and financial integrity.
- The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) has launched SALUTE: Support and Assistance for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment to help employers review policies under relevant employment rights acts.
- The Wage and Hour Division is restarting the Payroll Audit Independent Determination program to assist employers in resolving wage-related violations.
Resources, toolkits, and guidance related to these programs can be accessed at dol.gov/SelfAudit.
