On July 19, 2010, the Department of Labor's (DOL) Final Rule pertaining to child labor regulations became effective. The Final Rule, which is described by the DOL to include the most ambitious and far-reaching revisions to the child labor regulations in the last thirty years, is designed to protect working children from hazards in the workplace while also recognizing the value of safe work to children and their families.

To the uninitiated, compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) appears to demand little more than the simple task of multiplying the number of hours worked by the appropriate wage. However, those charged with ensuring compliance with the federal law that establishes the minimum wage and that governs the payment of overtime compensation know all too well that application of the FLSA?s provisions is rarely simple.

Diversity in the workplace is a good thing. When men and women of different races, religions, ethnicities, and ages work together in an environment of tolerance and respect, the possibilities are limitless. Employers that encourage expression of the different beliefs, perspectives, and attitudes that necessarily flow from a diverse workforce generally reap significant returns. However, while employers may enjoy significant benefits from maintaining a diverse workforce, those same differences may also lead to conflict.