How opinion letters empower workers and employers

At the U.S. Department of Labor, we are committed to putting the American Worker First by making compliance easier, complex labor laws understandable, and providing answers for everyone. That’s why I’m proud to announce the launch of our opinion letter program — a key compliance assistance tool that puts practical, tailored guidance into the hands of the public. Whether you’re a worker, employer, attorney, HR professional, union representative, or trade group, these resources can help you navigate real workplace situations with confidence.

An opinion letter is an official, written response from the department about how a specific law we enforce applies to a particular set of facts. It is a powerful resource that provides clarity, consistency and peace of mind in complex or uncertain legal scenarios.

The benefits are clear: This resource encourages voluntary compliance, prevents costly violations and fosters informed decision-making. It also demonstrates our commitment to transparency and customer experience — values that are central to the department’s mission.

• The Wage and Hour Division has a longstanding practice of issuing opinion letters related to laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. These letters provide guidance on topics such as overtime pay, independent contractor status and leave eligibility.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issues letters of interpretation that clarify the application of workplace safety and health standards. These letters help employers and workers understand how specific rules apply in practice, including recordkeeping, training and hazard communication.
• The Employee Benefits Security Administration offers both advisory opinions and information letters. Advisory opinions interpret Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act in response to detailed factual scenarios where the application of the law had been unclear. Information letters highlight already established principles without taking a position on the application of those principles to specific facts.
• The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service will launch an opinion letter program to help clarify rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, known as USERRA.
• The Mine Safety and Health Administration will provide compliance assistance resources through its new Information Hub — a centralized platform offering guidance, regulatory updates, training materials and technical support.

I invite you to explore our opinion letter landing page — dol.gov/opinion-letters — which makes it easier than ever to find existing guidance and submit new requests. This relaunch is about meeting people where they are and giving them the tools they need to do the right thing.

We look forward to reading and responding to your letters.

Keith Sonderling is the Deputy Secretary of Labor. Follow him on X, Instagram and LinkedIn.