February 25, 2022

DOL Increases Fines Related to Workplace Posters

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) increased the maximum fine for failure to comply with federal notice and posting requirements. The increase took effect January 15, 2022, and includes the following:

  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) increased to $189 from $178; and
  • Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) increased to $23,011 from $21,663.

The DOL’s increase in maximum fines emphasizes that the agency is enforcing posting requirements. Cities and other public employers should also be aware of specific posting requirements for some of these posters, such as:

  • The FMLA poster is required to be posted by all public employers without regard to the number of employees working for the public agency.
  • The FMLA poster, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) poster, and EPPA poster must be displayed and visible to applicants for employment, in addition to current employees.
  • DOL guidance stating that a prominent notice on an employer’s website with a link to the applicable posters, in most cases, is a necessary supplement but not a substitute for the physical posting requirements.

Cities can find the links to all the current federal and state-required posters, which can be downloaded and printed at no cost on the KLC website. KLC strives to keep this information and any changes available on the website. For more information on this or any personnel-related matters, contact KLC Personnel Services Manager Andrea Shindlebower Main.