Mobile apps burst onto the scene a few years ago, never to go back. Some apps have become quite well know for their entertainment value (think Angry Birds). Other apps are developed for productivity and business. If you can think of it, there probably is an app for it (or one is coming soon).

Over the past year, the United States Department of Labor has jumped into the app market with both feet. First, this past May, the Department made available an app for use on mobile devices that allows workers to independently track the hours they work to assist them in determining the wages that they should be paid. Next, in July, the Department announced two contests (contests!) with $70,000 in prize money for software applications that use data collected by the Department in innovative ways. One contest calls for use of Department data “to assist individuals in planning their education, considering a career change, moving to a new geographical area or negotiating pay and benefits” and the second is to develop an app using Department data to “empower workers and consumers to make educated choices regarding the hotel, motel, restaurant and retail industries.” The Department is also making its data publicly available in a computer accessible format.

Most recently, on August 11, 2011, the Department announced the release of another app that allows workers and their supervisors to monitor the heat index at their work sites to prevent heat-related illnesses. The app is currently available for Android devices only.

In short, the Department appears to have embraced the digital era and has begun rolling out apps for mobile devices. If the Department continues this trend, it may soon offer a suite of apps designed to assist workers. Indeed, the Department already has created its own website dedicated to its mobile applications, at Mobile Applications.

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Photo of Eric B. Sigda Eric B. Sigda

Eric B. Sigda is a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s Labor & Employment Practice. He represents management in litigating federal and state employment matters including claims involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing, Sarbanes-Oxley retaliation, breach of contract, wage and hour class actions, misappropriation of…

Eric B. Sigda is a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s Labor & Employment Practice. He represents management in litigating federal and state employment matters including claims involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing, Sarbanes-Oxley retaliation, breach of contract, wage and hour class actions, misappropriation of trade secrets and violations of restrictive covenants. Eric has handled matters in federal and state courts and in arbitration. He has also represented clients before various agencies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the U.S. Department of Labor, and the New York State Division of Human Rights. He also regularly represents management in disputes with labor unions.

In addition, Eric counsels employers of all sizes on labor and employment matters such as family and medical leave, disability questions, employee handbooks, employee discharge and discipline, diversity and harassment training and contingent workforce issues.

He has wide-ranging experience reviewing, negotiating and preparing employment agreements.