Secretary Labor v. Koresko

**What This Case Was About:** The Department of Labor was investigating Koresko & Associates and related companies for potential employment law violations. As part of their investigation, the DOL issued subpoenas demanding documents and information from the company. However, Koresko refused to comply with these subpoenas, claiming they didn't have to provide the requested materials due to various legal privileges. **What the Court Decided:** The court sided with the Department of Labor. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals upheld lower court rulings that forced Koresko to comply with the DOL's subpoenas. The court rejected the company's claims that they could refuse to provide documents based on legal privileges. Additionally, the court imposed contempt sanctions against Koresko for their refusal to cooperate, resulting in $5,312.50 in damages. **Why This Matters for Workers:** This ruling strengthens the Department of Labor's ability to investigate workplace violations. When companies try to hide information during DOL investigations, courts have the power to force compliance and punish non-cooperation. This helps ensure that government agencies can effectively investigate potential violations of workers' rights, wage theft, safety issues, and other employment law problems that could harm employees.