4.16.10  

  Fox News  

 

Kara M. Maciel was interviewed on the Fox News television program "Special Report with Bret Baier" on the legal issues facing employers for unpaid internships.

 

Maciel pointed out that while unpaid internships are not illegal, the Department of Labor is ramping up its investigatory and enforcement efforts against companies that do not comply with the Wage and Hour Division's guidance on a bona fide training program.

 

She pointed out that trainees are exempt from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime requirements so long as certain criteria are met. Criteria include issues such as the benefit of the training to the intern, the similarity of the training to an educational program, and any advantage that the employer receives from the activities of the intern.

 

An overview can be found here.