WHY IS DLA TAKING SO LONG?

What is DLA?

Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) disburses Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) workers' wages when their employers fail to pay them. The Division is mandated to investigate allegations against employers and to guarantee back wages to affected workers. Not surprisingly, as of June, the Division owed 22,000 workers a combined $16 million. But many DLA employees wonder, "Why is DLA taking so long?"

The DLA Backlog

The DLA backlog has been growing for years. In 2016, the Division owed just $2 million to affected workers, but by 2022 the total owed had jumped to $16 million. A number of factors contribute to this backlog.

Contributing Factors:

• Insufficient Funding:
  The WHD is chronically underfunded, with a budget of only $173 million in 2022. This money is supposed to cover investigations, enforcement, and back wages, but it is never enough. The backlog grows ever larger.
• Lack of Staff:
  The WHD is also severely understaffed, with just 1,000 investigators to handle the thousands of cases it receives each year. The average case takes over a year to investigate and resolve.
• Employer Non-cooperation:
  Many employers refuse to cooperate with WHD investigations, failing to produce records or provide information. This makes it even more difficult for investigators to resolve cases quickly.

The Effects of the Backlog

The DLA backlog has a devastating impact on affected workers. Many of these workers are living paycheck to paycheck, and they rely on their paychecks to cover their basic living expenses like rent, food, and utilities. When they don't receive their paychecks on time, they fall behind on their bills and may even be evicted from their homes.

What Can Be Done?

There are a number of things that can be done to address the DLA backlog, including:

• Increasing Funding:
  The WHD needs more funding to hire more investigators and to conduct more thorough investigations. Bolstering departmental budgets would also provide room for technological improvements to speed up the process.
• Reforming Investigations:
  The investigative process needs to be streamlined so that cases can be resolved more quickly. There are several ways to do this, such as giving investigators more authority to compel employers to cooperate and by using technology to expedite the process.
• Empowering Workers:
  Workers need to be empowered to file complaints against their employers and to seek back wages. The WHD should make it easier for workers to file complaints and provide them with resources to help them navigate the process.

Conclusion

The DLA backlog is a serious problem that is hurting workers across the country. There are a number of things that can be done to address the backlog, but it will take a concerted effort by the government, employers, and workers.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: How long does it take to receive DLA payments?
   A: The average case takes over a year to investigate and resolve.
2. Q: What can I do if my employer is not paying me?
   A: You can file a complaint with the WHD. The Division will investigate your complaint and may order your employer to pay back wages.
3. Q: How much money does the WHD owe affected workers?
   A: As of June, the Division owed 22,000 workers a combined $16 million.
4. Q: What is the WHD doing to address the backlog?
   A: The WHD is taking a number of steps to address the backlog, including hiring more investigators, streamlining the investigative process, and empowering workers to file complaints.
5. Q: What can I do to help?
   A: You can contact your elected officials and urge them to support increased funding for the WHD. You can also file a complaint with the WHD if your employer is not paying you.