LinkedIn Shells Out $6 Million For Back Wages and Damages

The social media site that helps employers connect with potential employees, was just ordered to pay nearly $6 million in back wages and damages to 359 current and former employees. Following an investigation with the Department of Labor, LinkedIn was reportedly not paying overtime between February 2012 – February 2014. According to LinkedIn, the investigation primarily involved sales workers in California, Illinois and New York and that the error was a technical one, not a malicious one. A company spokesperson blamed the mistake on lacking the right tools for employees and managers to track their hours properly.

In addition to fully cooperating with the investigation and paying back wages, LinkedIn has begun implementing the necessary tools for employees to manage their hours. They are also providing compliance training as well as making sure that all nonexempt employees and managers are aware that off the clock work is prohibited. For those that are required to work overtime, their work must be recorded properly and paid for. LinkedIn also wants their employees to know that if they wish to address any workplace concerns, there will be no retaliation against them.

LinkedIn seems to be one of the few companies who actually owns up to their employment law mistakes. What do you think of LinkedIn actually taking full responsibility? Please voice your opinion in the comment section below.