The parameters of and processes associated with the DOL/ABA Bridge to Justice initiative remain neither transparent nor open, at least where employers are concerned. We have attempted to delve into these matters since posting our November and December comments.

On December 28, we submitted a request to the U.S. Wage and Hour Division under the federal Freedom of Information Act for "copies of all standard letters, memoranda, notices, instructions, statements, forms, summaries, descriptions, booklets, and all other documents and written materials that the U.S. Labor Department and/or any of its subordinate agencies are using or intend to use to communicate with complaining individuals and/or to attorneys representing them in connection with matters arising under or relating to the 'Bridge to Justice' initiative recently undertaken in conjunction with the American Bar Association." We also asked for "copies of all standard letters, memoranda, notices, instructions, statements, forms, summaries, descriptions, booklets, and all other documents and written materials that the U.S. Labor Department and/or any of its subordinate agencies are using or intend to use to communicate internally about matters arising under or relating to the aforementioned 'Bridge to Justice' initiative."