The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office (WCPO) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formally establishing a collaborative partnership to enforce workers’ rights, conduct joint investigations, and share information. The MOU will expand and improve the protection of Washtenaw County’s workforce, and level the playing field for responsible employers.
The MOU was formally signed on July 26th, 2022 at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 252/UA Local 190 union hall in Washtenaw County. Labor leaders from across Washtenaw County joined the Prosecutor’s Office and the DOL for the signing.
This partnership is the first of its kind between a Michigan county prosecutor and the DOL. Because state and federal law often provide different protections for workers, the MOU will allow WCPO and the DOL to coordinate on investigations, and collaboratively determine whether to bring local or federal enforcement actions. The agencies also agreed to cross-train investigators and other staff at least once a year.
“The Prosecutor’s Office is dedicated to pursuing justice when people are harmed, and I am excited that we have made further progress in fighting for worker protection,” said Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney Eli Savit. “This MOU provides another tool to work with federal partners to hold accountable those who have imposed unlawful financial or economic harm to...
IBM reached a settlement with the federal government on Friday, agreeing to pay roughly $17 million to resolve allegations of illegal diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Acting Attorney Gen...