DOL Final Rule on Joint Employer Status Under FLSA

By: Storrs Downey and Jessica Jackler

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has finalized its rule to narrow the definition of a joint employer under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule is the first meaningful revision to the DOL’s joint employer regulation in over 60 years.

The DOL’s final rule includes a clear and concise four-factor balancing test for determining joint employer status under the FLSA. The balancing test looks at whether the potential joint employer:

  • hires or fires the employee;
  • supervises and controls the employee’s work schedule or conditions of employment to a substantial degree;
  • determines the employee’s rate and method of payment; and
  • maintains the employee’s employment records.

This final rule is limited to evaluating joint employer status under the FLSA and does not address joint employer status under other federal employment laws, such as Title VII, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), or the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.

The final rule goes into effect March 16.

Practice Tip:  Because different federal circuit courts have adopted varying standards defining joint employer status, this final rule is a welcome development in providing a uniform standard that will apply to all employers regardless of their location. The final rule is expected to provide a clearer interpretation of joint employer status under the FLSA which should help improve employers’ ability to comply.

Chicago, Illinois 312-377-1501 | Crown Point, Indiana 219-488-2590
Indianapolis, Indiana 219-488-2590 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 414-758-3367

Chicago, Illinois

312-377-1501


Crown Point, Indiana

219-488-2590


Indianapolis, Indiana

219-488-2590


Milwaukee, Wisconsin

414-758-3367