A number of recent seven-figure settlements involving claims brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in which employees alleged wage violations resulting from payroll deductions to pay for uniforms provide a good opportunity to review the rules that apply under the FLSA with respect to uniform expenses, and summarize common pitfalls that can get an employer into trouble.
Not surprisingly, as is true for so many other issues that can arise under the FLSA, the answers to questions such as when can an employer require its employees to wear specific clothing at work, how much of the associated expense can be charged to the employees, and whether the rules change if the clothing can be worn outside of work, are not so simple.
Please note that this summary is designed to be informational only, and is not intended to convey legal advice. Specific issues regarding wage and hour compliance should be referred to legal counsel.
Members of the Center for Workplace Compliance (CWC) can read more here.