The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division may or may not be investigating automotive service shops for pay plan violations at a greater rate than other retail businesses. There is certainly evidence supporting such a bias, although all it takes is a complaint from a disgruntled employee to trigger an investigation.

In the spring and summer of 2018, the federal government disciplined the tire and automotive industry by nearly $1 million for wage and hour violations. The government feels our industry is an easy place to generate revenue. And, sadly, they are right.

Owners and operators of tire dealerships and automotive service shops, no matter how large or small, are being targeted by the United States Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. This is the federal agency that enforces minimum wage, record keeping and overtime rules.

It was widely believed that when the Republicans took control of the federal government in November that small businesses could breathe a sigh of relief. The reason is that traditionally, Republicans are “more friendly” toward business.