Alarming rise in Trench-related Fatalities Spurs U.S. Department of Labor to Announce Enhanced Nationwide Enforcement, Additional Oversight | site |
22 workers have perished in first half of 2022
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: July 14, 2022
Washington - - In 2022’s first six months, 22 workers have fallen victim to the deadly hazards present in trenching and excavation work – surpassing 15 in all of 2021 – and prompting the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to launch enhanced enforcement initiatives to protect workers from known industry hazards.
To stress the dangers of disregarding federal workplace safety requirements for trenching and excavation work, OSHA enforcement staff will consider every available tool at the agency’s disposal. These actions will place additional emphasis on how agency officials evaluate penalties for trenching and excavatio...
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Alarming rise in Trench-related Fatalities Spurs U.S. Department of Labor to Announce Enhanced Nationwide Enforcement, Additional Oversight
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DHS and DOL Announce Availability of Additional H-2B Visas for Second Half of Fiscal Year
U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Labor Announce Availability of Additional H-2B Visas for Second Half of Fiscal Year | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release dated: May 16, 2022 Washington - - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) announced today the availability of an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas during the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. These visas are for U.S. employers seeking to employ additional workers on or after April 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2022. “These additional H-2B visas will help employers meet the demand for seasonal workers at this most critical time, when there is a serious labor shortage,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The visas are accompanied by significant worker protections and provide a safe and lawful pathway for individuals to come to the United States and earn wages i... -
U.S. Department of Labor Awards more than $57M to Help Veterans Overcome, Avoid Homelessness, Reenter the Workforce
U.S. Department of Labor Awards more than $57M to Help Veterans Overcome, Avoid Homelessness, Reenter the Workforce
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: June 1, 2022 Washington - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of more than $57 million in grants to organizations that help veterans experiencing homelessness find meaningful employment and assist them in overcoming barriers to transition back successfully into the workforce. Ending homelessness among veterans is a priority for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, which is chaired by U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge and vice-chaired by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. Upholding our sacred obligation to our veterans is also a key part of the Unity Agenda President Biden laid out in his State of the Union address. “The pandemic further exposed the difficulties faced by our nation’s homeless ve... -
U.S. Department of Labor to Offer Prevailing Wage Compliance Seminars Online for Federal Contractors, Contracting Agencies, Unions, Workers
U.S. Department of Labor to Offer Prevailing Wage Compliance Seminars Online for Federal Contractors, Contracting Agencies, Unions, Workers | site |
Online sessions throughout 2022 will increase participation
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 17, 2022
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Labor will offer online compliance seminars for contracting agencies, contractors, unions, workers and other stakeholders to provide information on the requirements governing payment of prevailing wages on federally funded construction and service contracts.
Offered by the department’s Wage and Hour Division, the seminars are part of the division’s ongoing effort to increase awareness and improve compliance with federal prevailing wage requirements.
The seminars will include on-demand video training on many Davis-Bacon and Related Acts and McNamara-O’Hara... -
U.S. Department of Labor reminds Southwest Employers that Workers need Protection from the Dangers of Heat Illness
U.S. Department of Labor reminds Southwest Employers that Workers need Protection from the Dangers of Heat Illness | site |
Free App helps calculate worksite heat index, displays risks
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 11, 2022
Dallas - - As temperatures rise in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds employers and workers not to ignore the dangers of working in hot weather – indoors and out – and remember “Water. Rest. Shade.” can be the difference between ending the workday safely or suffering serious injuries or worse.
From 2011-2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 344 worker-related deaths in U.S. were due to environmental heat exposure. Workplace safety experts believe the actual number of heat-related fatalities may be underreported or misreported... -
U.S. Department of Labor awards 20 Million Dollars in Funding to Help Workers Overcome Barriers to Equitable Access to States' Unemployment Insurance Systems
U.S. Department of Labor awards $20 Million in Funding to Help Workers Overcome Barriers to Equitable Access to States' Unemployment Insurance Systems | site |
Indiana, Kentucky, Utah, Washington round out 3rd set of grant recipients
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 2, 2022
Washington - - To improve the delivery of unemployment insurance services to people faced with obstacles to accessing state systems and benefits, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of more than $20 million in equity grant funding to state unemployment insurance systems in Indiana, Kentucky, Utah and Washington.
Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the grants will fund projects that seek to ensure race, age, ethnicity, language proficiency, disability status, geographic location or other systemic barriers do not prevent those in need from accessing... -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Leadership, New Members to Advisory Council on Employee Welfare, Pension Benefit Plans for 2022
U.S. Department of Labor announces Leadership, New Members to Advisory Council on Employee Welfare, Pension Benefit Plans for 2022 | site |
Newly seated council to hold first 2022 meeting in May, open to the public
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: April 15, 2022 Washington - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of seven members and leadership for the 2022 Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans, also known as the ERISA Advisory Council. The 15-member council provides advice on policies and regulations affecting employee benefit plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The council’s first meeting in 2022 will be held online on May 9, 2022, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. EDT. Open to the public, the meeting will determine the topics for the council’s consideration in 2022 and receive an update from ... -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Equity Action Plan Highlighting Progress, continued Efforts to Ensure Access for all Workers
U.S. Department of Labor issues Equity Action Plan Highlighting Progress, continued Efforts to Ensure Access for all Workers | site |
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Labor today published its Equity Action Plan in response to the Biden-Harris administration’s Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities, issued in 2021. The order promotes a whole-of-government equity agenda that addresses systemic barriers to opportunities and benefits offered by the federal government. The plan summarizes the department’s efforts to identify barriers to more equitable access to programs and services for underserved, marginalized and excluded communities and outlines the next steps for expanding access to those communities. It also serves as a roadmap to help those communities better understand the department’s vision for advancing equity so that they can provide input and hold the department accountable... -
DHS and DOL to Supplement the H-2B Cap with Additional Visas for Second Half of Fiscal Year 2022
U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Labor to Supplement the H-2B Cap with Additional Visas for Second Half of Fiscal Year 2022 | site |
Departments to add additional visas and significant worker protections
Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release dated: March 31, 2022 Washington - - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) today announced the forthcoming publication of a joint temporary final rule to make available an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. These visas will be set aside for U.S. employers seeking to employ additional workers on or after April 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2022. “Informed by current demand in the labor market, today we are announcing the availability of an additional 35,000 H-2B visas that will help to support American businesses and... -
U.S. Education Secretary Cardona, U.S. Labor Secretary Walsh, Swiss President Parmelin Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the United States
U.S. Education Secretary Cardona, U.S. Labor Secretary Walsh, Swiss President Parmelin Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the United States site
Coincides with National Apprenticeship Week
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: November 18, 2021) Washington - - U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, and Switzerland's President Guy Parmelin signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today to expand apprenticeships among Swiss companies and Swiss-invested companies in the United States, and to promote job creation in both countries. Swiss companies actively invest in U.S. manufacturing and directly support more than 500,000 U.S. jobs, with an average annual salary of $101,800. The signing took place at the Department of Labor's Frances Perkins Building as the... -
U.S. DOT Launches “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Labor Day High- Visibility Enforcement Campaign
U.S. Department of Transportation Launches “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Labor Day High- Visibility Enforcement Campaign | site |
August 18 – September 6, 2021
(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] press release dated: August 17, 2021)
August 17, 2021 | Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration kicked off its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Labor Day high-visibility enforcement campaign today, aimed at preventing impaired driving and improving safety for all road users. Joining NHTSA Acting Administrator Dr. Steven Cliff in spreading awareness about the deadly consequences of impaired driving and the steps being taken across the country to save lives and ensure equity in enforcement were representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Governors’ Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Car... -
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter with U.S. Secretary of the Department of Labor Martin J. Walsh to Congressional Leaders on Unemployment Insurance
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter with Secretary of the Department of Labor Martin J. Walsh to Congressional Leaders on Unemployment Insurance | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: August 19, 2021)
Washington - - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and Secretary of the Department of Labor Martin J. Walsh sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Wyden and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Neal on the expiration of emergency unemployment insurance.
The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Chairman Wyden and Chairman Neal: We write on behalf of President Biden with an update on the steps our Departments are taking in advance of the expiration of emergency unemployment insurance (UI) programs on September 6, 2021. As you know, these programs were first enacted in the CARES Act, and were extended... -
U.S. Education, Labor Departments Renew Efforts to Help Unemployed Americans Pursue Postsecondary Education
U.S. Education, Labor Departments Renew Efforts to Help Unemployed Americans Pursue Postsecondary Education | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: August 16, 2021)
Today, the U.S. Department of Education, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, launched an initiative to help connect millions of unemployed Americans to postsecondary education, especially those displaced from their employment during the pandemic. To help all Americans seek educational opportunities or training that lead to good jobs, the Departments of Education and Labor will alert institutions of higher education and state workforce agencies about ways to help unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries access postsecondary education opportunities.
The Biden Administration began this outreach with a series of actions:- The Department of Education updated prior guidance to financial aid administrators
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in LaborLabor Legend Richard L. Trumka Passes Away
Labor Legend Richard L. Trumka Passes Away | site |
(Information contained in AFL-CIO press release dated: August 5, 2021)
Statement from AFL-CIO Communications Director Tim Schlittner on the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:
Richard L. Trumka
1949 - 2021
(Photo courtesy: AFL-CIO)
“The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today. Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement. He was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy and so much more. He was also a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach, colleague and friend. Rich was loved... -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Proposed Rulemaking to Protect Tipped Workers; Clarify use of the Tip Credit
U.S. Department of Labor announces Proposed Rulemaking to Protect Tipped Workers; Clarify use of the Tip Credit | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: June 21, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to limit the amount of non-tip producing work that a tipped employee can perform when an employer is taking a tip credit. The proposed rule clarifies when an employee is working in a tipped occupation and when a worker has performed such a substantial amount of non-tipped labor that an employer can no longer take a tip credit and must pay the full federal minimum wage to the worker.
The Fair Labor Standards Act allows employers with tipped workers to pay as little as $2.13 per hour in direct wages, while taking a credit against the tips earned by the employee to make up the balance of the federal minimum wage of $7.25...
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Alarming rise in Trench-related Fatalities Spurs U.S. Department of Labor to Announce Enhanced Nationwide Enforcement, Additional Oversight | site |
22 workers have perished in first half of 2022
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: July 14, 2022 Washington - - In 2022’s first six months, 22 workers have fallen victim to the deadly hazards present in trenching and excavation work – surpassing 15 in all of 2021 – and prompting the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to launch enhanced enforcement initiatives to protect workers from known industry hazards. To stress the dangers of disregarding federal workplace safety requirements for trenching and excavation work, OSHA enforcement staff will consider every available tool at the agency’s disposal. These actions will place additional emphasis on how agency officials evaluate penalties for trenching and excavatio...07-15-2022, 09:52 PM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Labor Announce Availability of Additional H-2B Visas for Second Half of Fiscal Year | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release dated: May 16, 2022 Washington - - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) announced today the availability of an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas during the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. These visas are for U.S. employers seeking to employ additional workers on or after April 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2022. “These additional H-2B visas will help employers meet the demand for seasonal workers at this most critical time, when there is a serious labor shortage,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The visas are accompanied by significant worker protections and provide a safe and lawful pathway for individuals to come to the United States and earn wages i...06-04-2022, 10:15 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Awards more than $57M to Help Veterans Overcome, Avoid Homelessness, Reenter the Workforce
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: June 1, 2022 Washington - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of more than $57 million in grants to organizations that help veterans experiencing homelessness find meaningful employment and assist them in overcoming barriers to transition back successfully into the workforce. Ending homelessness among veterans is a priority for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, which is chaired by U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge and vice-chaired by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. Upholding our sacred obligation to our veterans is also a key part of the Unity Agenda President Biden laid out in his State of the Union address. “The pandemic further exposed the difficulties faced by our nation’s homeless ve...06-03-2022, 10:02 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor to Offer Prevailing Wage Compliance Seminars Online for Federal Contractors, Contracting Agencies, Unions, Workers | site |
Online sessions throughout 2022 will increase participation
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 17, 2022
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Labor will offer online compliance seminars for contracting agencies, contractors, unions, workers and other stakeholders to provide information on the requirements governing payment of prevailing wages on federally funded construction and service contracts.
Offered by the department’s Wage and Hour Division, the seminars are part of the division’s ongoing effort to increase awareness and improve compliance with federal prevailing wage requirements.
The seminars will include on-demand video training on many Davis-Bacon and Related Acts and McNamara-O’Hara...05-19-2022, 07:26 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor reminds Southwest Employers that Workers need Protection from the Dangers of Heat Illness | site |
Free App helps calculate worksite heat index, displays risks
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 11, 2022
Dallas - - As temperatures rise in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds employers and workers not to ignore the dangers of working in hot weather – indoors and out – and remember “Water. Rest. Shade.” can be the difference between ending the workday safely or suffering serious injuries or worse.
From 2011-2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 344 worker-related deaths in U.S. were due to environmental heat exposure. Workplace safety experts believe the actual number of heat-related fatalities may be underreported or misreported...05-13-2022, 07:16 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor awards $20 Million in Funding to Help Workers Overcome Barriers to Equitable Access to States' Unemployment Insurance Systems | site |
Indiana, Kentucky, Utah, Washington round out 3rd set of grant recipients
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 2, 2022
Washington - - To improve the delivery of unemployment insurance services to people faced with obstacles to accessing state systems and benefits, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of more than $20 million in equity grant funding to state unemployment insurance systems in Indiana, Kentucky, Utah and Washington.
Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the grants will fund projects that seek to ensure race, age, ethnicity, language proficiency, disability status, geographic location or other systemic barriers do not prevent those in need from accessing...05-05-2022, 01:45 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Leadership, New Members to Advisory Council on Employee Welfare, Pension Benefit Plans for 2022 | site |
Newly seated council to hold first 2022 meeting in May, open to the public
Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: April 15, 2022 Washington - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of seven members and leadership for the 2022 Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans, also known as the ERISA Advisory Council. The 15-member council provides advice on policies and regulations affecting employee benefit plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The council’s first meeting in 2022 will be held online on May 9, 2022, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. EDT. Open to the public, the meeting will determine the topics for the council’s consideration in 2022 and receive an update from ...04-16-2022, 05:30 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Equity Action Plan Highlighting Progress, continued Efforts to Ensure Access for all Workers | site |
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Labor today published its Equity Action Plan in response to the Biden-Harris administration’s Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities, issued in 2021. The order promotes a whole-of-government equity agenda that addresses systemic barriers to opportunities and benefits offered by the federal government. The plan summarizes the department’s efforts to identify barriers to more equitable access to programs and services for underserved, marginalized and excluded communities and outlines the next steps for expanding access to those communities. It also serves as a roadmap to help those communities better understand the department’s vision for advancing equity so that they can provide input and hold the department accountable...04-14-2022, 11:51 AM -
U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Labor to Supplement the H-2B Cap with Additional Visas for Second Half of Fiscal Year 2022 | site |
Departments to add additional visas and significant worker protections
Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release dated: March 31, 2022 Washington - - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) today announced the forthcoming publication of a joint temporary final rule to make available an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. These visas will be set aside for U.S. employers seeking to employ additional workers on or after April 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2022. “Informed by current demand in the labor market, today we are announcing the availability of an additional 35,000 H-2B visas that will help to support American businesses and...04-05-2022, 02:14 AM -
U.S. Education Secretary Cardona, U.S. Labor Secretary Walsh, Swiss President Parmelin Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the United States site
Coincides with National Apprenticeship Week
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: November 18, 2021) Washington - - U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, and Switzerland's President Guy Parmelin signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today to expand apprenticeships among Swiss companies and Swiss-invested companies in the United States, and to promote job creation in both countries. Swiss companies actively invest in U.S. manufacturing and directly support more than 500,000 U.S. jobs, with an average annual salary of $101,800. The signing took place at the Department of Labor's Frances Perkins Building as the...11-25-2021, 01:28 AM -
U.S. Department of Transportation Launches “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Labor Day High- Visibility Enforcement Campaign | site |
August 18 – September 6, 2021
(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] press release dated: August 17, 2021)
August 17, 2021 | Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration kicked off its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Labor Day high-visibility enforcement campaign today, aimed at preventing impaired driving and improving safety for all road users. Joining NHTSA Acting Administrator Dr. Steven Cliff in spreading awareness about the deadly consequences of impaired driving and the steps being taken across the country to save lives and ensure equity in enforcement were representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Governors’ Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Car...08-21-2021, 12:01 AM -
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter with Secretary of the Department of Labor Martin J. Walsh to Congressional Leaders on Unemployment Insurance | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: August 19, 2021)
Washington - - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and Secretary of the Department of Labor Martin J. Walsh sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Wyden and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Neal on the expiration of emergency unemployment insurance.
The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Chairman Wyden and Chairman Neal: We write on behalf of President Biden with an update on the steps our Departments are taking in advance of the expiration of emergency unemployment insurance (UI) programs on September 6, 2021. As you know, these programs were first enacted in the CARES Act, and were extended...08-20-2021, 06:40 AM -
U.S. Education, Labor Departments Renew Efforts to Help Unemployed Americans Pursue Postsecondary Education | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: August 16, 2021)
Today, the U.S. Department of Education, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, launched an initiative to help connect millions of unemployed Americans to postsecondary education, especially those displaced from their employment during the pandemic. To help all Americans seek educational opportunities or training that lead to good jobs, the Departments of Education and Labor will alert institutions of higher education and state workforce agencies about ways to help unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries access postsecondary education opportunities.
The Biden Administration began this outreach with a series of actions:- The Department of Education updated prior guidance to financial aid administrators
08-18-2021, 02:18 AM -
Labor Legend Richard L. Trumka Passes Away | site |
(Information contained in AFL-CIO press release dated: August 5, 2021)
Statement from AFL-CIO Communications Director Tim Schlittner on the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:
Richard L. Trumka
1949 - 2021
(Photo courtesy: AFL-CIO)
“The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today. Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement. He was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy and so much more. He was also a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach, colleague and friend. Rich was loved...08-05-2021, 11:12 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Proposed Rulemaking to Protect Tipped Workers; Clarify use of the Tip Credit | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: June 21, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to limit the amount of non-tip producing work that a tipped employee can perform when an employer is taking a tip credit. The proposed rule clarifies when an employee is working in a tipped occupation and when a worker has performed such a substantial amount of non-tipped labor that an employer can no longer take a tip credit and must pay the full federal minimum wage to the worker.
The Fair Labor Standards Act allows employers with tipped workers to pay as little as $2.13 per hour in direct wages, while taking a credit against the tips earned by the employee to make up the balance of the federal minimum wage of $7.25...06-22-2021, 03:53 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces availability of more than $21 Million in Grants for Training on Workplace Hazards, Infectious Diseases | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: June 17, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced funding opportunities for more than $21 million in Occupational Safety and Health Administration training grants for non-profit organizations.
The first availability will provide $10 million under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021for Workplace Safety and Health Training on Infectious Diseases, including the Coronavirus grants.
To be eligible for these grants, applicants must develop training that focuses on four program emphasis areas:- Identifying and preventing workplace-related infectious diseases, including the coronavirus, in industries with high illness rates, those employing frontline workers or those serving
06-18-2021, 03:55 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Outlines upcoming Worker-centered Protections in Biden-Harris Administration Spring 2021 Regulatory Agenda | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: June 11, 2021)
Washington, DC - - A mother of two struggles to budget for child care expenses on an hourly income of $11.50 as a call center worker with a federal contractor. A construction company owner learns they’ve lost another federal contract because a competitor was able to underbid the job by not paying livable wages. Socially conscious investors want to maximize their savings and do the planet some good, but are frustrated by the investment options available to do that.
As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Spring 2021 regulatory agenda – published today as required by Executive Order 12866 – the U.S. Department of Labor is announcing a series of anticipated regulatory actions to ensure the...06-16-2021, 05:09 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor implements Initiative to conduct Random, Weekend Safety Inspections to protect Construction Workers from Falls, Trench Collapses | site |
‘Weekend Work’ initiative will identify safety concerns in 10 counties
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: June 7, 2021)
Denver - - As work at construction project sites increases in Colorado’s Front Range, more workers may find themselves exposed to falls and trenching and excavation hazards. Over the last two years, at least six workers have suffered fatal falls, and nearly a dozen excavation collapses and trenching incidents have led to the deaths of three workers in Colorado.
To make these work sites safer, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has implemented a “Weekend Work” initiative in which federal workplace safety and health inspections will...06-10-2021, 11:12 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor sues New York Health Center and its CEO for Firing Employee who Reported Coronavirus Safety Concerns | site |
Alleges defendants violated Occupational Safety and Health Act anti-retaliation provisions
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: June 1, 2021) New York - - The U.S. Department of Labor is suing a Staten Island community health center and its CEO after they suspended and later fired an employee who reported coronavirus-related health and safety hazards, including possibly exposing staff to the virus and lack of proper social distancing protocols. The employee raised concern to company management that in-person attendance at a March 2020 staff meeting could lead to transmission and contraction of the virus. The worker attempted to reschedule the meeting by telephone, but ultimately refused to attend the meeting in-person after management refused the scheduling ...06-08-2021, 06:54 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces New Members of Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health| site |
15-member panel will advise OSHA on safety, health in construction
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 27, 2021)
Washington, DC - - U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh has appointed 15 individuals to serve as members on the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health, which provides advice and assistance to the assistant secretary on occupational safety and health in construction standards.
Members will serve two-year terms and represent the interests of the public, employers, employees, and state and federal government. The committee generally meets two to four times a year. The appointed members include the following:
Five employee representatives:- Cheryl M. Ambrose, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the
05-29-2021, 02:32 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces 'America's Recovery: Powered by Inclusion' is 2021 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Theme | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 13, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the theme for 2021 National Disability Employment Awareness Month is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” Held each October, the annual commemoration raises awareness about disability employment issues, and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
Selected by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, the theme’s annual spring announcement helps the nation’s employers, disability advocates and other organizations plan their observances. As ODEP celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2021, it encourages all types of employers and community organizations, advocacy groups...05-19-2021, 09:32 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces 18-month delay to Rule affecting Prevailing Wage for Certain Immigrants, Non-immigrants | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 13, 2021) Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an 18-month delay in the effective date of the final rule, “Strengthening Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Aliens in the United States.” Published in January 2021, the final rule affects employers seeking to employ foreign workers on a permanent or temporary basis through certain immigrant visas or through H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 non-immigrant visas. The final rule will now go into effect on Nov. 14, 2022. The delay will provide the department with sufficient time to consider the final rule’s legal and policy issues thoroughly, and to review the public comments received in response to a Request for Information ...05-14-2021, 10:18 PM -
Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Walsh on the April Jobs Report | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 7, 2021) Washington, DC - - U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh issued the following statement on the April 2021 Employment Situation Report: “Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the American economy added 266,000 jobs in the month of April, and the unemployment rate was 6.1 percent, up marginally from 6.0 percent in March. Labor force participation is at its highest point since last August and the number of people expressing hesitancy about returning to work due to the coronavirus is at its lowest point in the pandemic. “However, the numbers also show we have a steep climb ahead of us. We have yet to recover roughly eight million jobs that existed prior to the pandemic. Racial inequities in the unemployment picture persist, as the Black unemployment rate increased slightly to 9.7 perc...05-11-2021, 08:07 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Guidance to States to permit greater flexibility for Waiving the recovery of certain Unemployment Insurance Overpayments | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 5, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration today issued an Unemployment Insurance Program Letter that provides states with guidance on addressing unemployment insurance benefit overpayments established by states for programs authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. An overpayment occurs when a state finds an individual received a payment or payments to which they are not entitled.
The guidance includes the following updates on the CARES Act unemployment benefit programs:- States may choose to waive recovery of overpayments under certain circumstances when an individual is not at fault. This includes circumstances
05-07-2021, 01:20 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Proposed 18-month Delay to Prevailing Wage Rule Affecting Certain Immigrants, Non-Immigrants | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: March 22, 2021)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that it has proposed an 18-month delay in the effective date of a final rule on calculating prevailing wages of certain immigrants and non-immigrant workers. Published in January 2021, the final rule affects employers seeking to employ foreign workers on a permanent or temporary basis through certain immigrant visas or through H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 non-immigrant visas. The proposed delay will provide the department with sufficient time to consider the rule’s legal and policy issues thoroughly, and issue an upcoming Request for Information and gather public comments on the sources and methods for determining prevailing wage levels. The proposed del...03-22-2021, 08:17 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Proposals to Rescind two Rules that Undermine Worker Protections against Unfair Pay Practices | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: March 11, 2021)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced proposals to rescind two final rules that would significantly weaken protections afforded to American workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The first Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes the withdrawal of the Independent Contractor Final Rule issued by the department on issued on Jan. 7, 2021, for several reasons. They include the following:- The rule adopted a new “economic reality” test to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the FLSA.
- Courts and the department have not used the new economic reality test, and FLSA text or longstanding case law does not support the test.
- The rule would
03-16-2021, 01:58 PM -
US Department of Labor Guidance to State UI Programs expands Eligibility for Workers who Declined Work due to Pandemic Safety Concerns | site |
Eligible unemployed workers will receive benefits retroactively
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: February 25, 2021)
Washington - - For many of America’s workers, choosing between unsafe employment and refusing work to avoid the risk of coronavirus infection has serious consequences. Too often, those who do not return to work or accept a job offer over concerns about workplace exposure lose their state unemployment benefits.
In response to a directive from President Biden, the U.S. Department of Labor is issuing guidance to state unemployment insurance agencies that expands the number of instances in which workers may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. “Our nation cannot afford to continue compounding the already...03-05-2021, 05:57 PM -
Labor Movement Fighting Anti-Asian Racism in All Forms | site |
(Information contained in AFL-CIO press released dated: March 5, 2021)
The continued anti-Asian racism that has skyrocketed during the coronavirus pandemic is a stain on our nation. The labor movement again condemns this vile behavior and will continue to fight these injustices. “The entire labor movement is appalled by the continued rise in anti-Asian racism across the country. Acts of physical violence, yelling of racial slurs and intimidation tactics used against our Asian American friends, family and communities must be called out and stopped,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “Anti-Asian rhetoric is only hurting our nation more during this pandemic, and we all must stand up and condemn in the strongest terms possible that racism in any form is unacceptable.” Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance National President Monica Thammarath stated, “It is not ri...03-05-2021, 04:34 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces OSHA will Investigate Complaints of Whistleblower Retaliation under new Antitrust, Money Laundering Laws | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: February 19, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration is now overseeing worker retaliation complaints filed under two new whistleblower statutes – the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Under the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act, OSHA will investigate individual whistleblower’s complaints of retaliation for reporting criminal antitrust violations to their superiors or the federal government; or for showing cause, testifying or participating in, or otherwise assisting an investigation or proceeding related to antitrust law violations. In Anti-Money Laundering Act cases, OSHA will in...02-22-2021, 09:28 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor undertakes several Actions to strengthen Registered Apprenticeship Program, eliminate Duplication | site |
Department will relaunch Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: February 17, 2021)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced several actions designed to accelerate apprenticeship expansion as it considers halting the duplicative apprenticeship system that may reduce quality, strip protections for apprentices and cause confusion for industry. The steps follow a Biden administration announcement today.
The department will suspend its acceptance and review of new or pending applications for Standards Recognition Entities in the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program. In addition, the department announced its intention to relaunch the federal Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship. These actions...02-19-2021, 05:57 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor awards $8M in Grants to engage Cocoa Cooperatives to combat Child Labor in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: February 9, 2021)
Washington, DC - - Under a hot sun, a child wields a machete at work in the fields, forced to inhale pesticides sprayed by adults eager to maintain their cocoa crop. Sadly, it is a reality for too many children, particularly those at work in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana’s cocoa industries.
A recent report by NORC, an independent research organization affiliated with the University of Chicago, shows that child labor in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana’s cocoa-producing regions remains a significant problem. The U.S. Department of Labor funded the report.
In response, the department has announced the awards of two $4 million grants for cooperative agreements to Save the Children and Winrock International to implement...02-09-2021, 09:07 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor awards $4.5M in Grants to reduce Child Labor in Madagascar's Mica-producing Communities | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: February 9, 2021) Washington, DC - - A boy toils long hours lugging mica from deep underground mines to the surface above and then sorts and processes the mineral. With no protection from razor sharp tools, the child’s work exposes him fully to the mica and sand dust kicked up in the mining and sorting processes. At the end of the supply chain, the mined and processed mica finds its way into the manufacture of many consumer products such as automobiles, cosmetics and electronics. To help reduce child labor in Madagascar, one of the leading suppliers of mica where an estimated 10,000 children work in the mines, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of a $4.5 million cooperative agreement to the United Nations Development Programme. The award w...02-09-2021, 08:48 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor launches new Monthly Series of Workshops to provide Employment Assistance to Transitioning Military Spouses | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor dated: February 8, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a new monthly series of career workshops to provide employment assistance to transitioning military spouses. Participation is free and classes are open to all transitioning military spouses. The launch follows a successful pilot program in October 2020.
The workshops are part of the department’s Transition Assistance Program series targeted at helping military spouses plan and prepare for their job search in pursuit of their employment goals. Offered by the department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, the workshops are part of the Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses’ curriculum.
Registration is now ...02-08-2021, 11:00 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor ends Program that allowed Employers to self-report Federal Minimum Wage and Overtime Violations| site |
PAID program enabled employers to avoid accountability
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that the immediate end of its Payroll Audit Independent Determination program launched by the department’s Wage and Hour Division in 2018. The program allowed employers to self-report federal minimum wage and overtime violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act to avoid litigation, penalties or damages, and prohibited affected workers from taking any private action on the identified violations. “Workers are entitled to every penny they have earned,” said Wage and Hour Division Principal Deputy Administrator Jessica Looman. “The Payroll Audit Independent Determination program deprived workers of their rights and put employers that play by the rules at a disadvantage. The U.S. Depart...02-03-2021, 05:47 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Revises Interpretation, issues new Guidance clarifying Filing, Compliance Requirements in H-1B Visa Program | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: January 15, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and Wage and Hour Division (WHD) today announced a new interpretation of their regulations and accompanying guidance in ongoing efforts to protect American jobs and ensure employers pay temporary foreign workers admitted under the H-1B visa program as the law requires.
ETA’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) is revising its interpretation of its regulations concerning which employers of H-1B workers must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA). OFLC now interprets its regulations to require all common-law employers of H-1B workers, including any secondary employers who meet the common-law test,...01-19-2021, 05:59 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor awards $40 Million in Strengthening Community College Training Grants | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor [DOL] press release: January 15, 2021)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $40 million through the Strengthening Community College Training Grants program to build the capacity of community colleges to meet labor market demand for a skilled workforce. As the nation recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, community colleges are critical partners for the public workforce system to train the American workforce and build a pipeline of workers in critical industries such as health care, logistics and cybersecurity. The Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants aim to address the skill development needs of employers and to support workers in gaining skills and transitioning quickly from unemployment to employment. The grants also build the capacit...01-15-2021, 07:27 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Two Wage and Hour Opinion Letters | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: January 8, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced two opinion letters that address compliance issues related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). An opinion letter is an official, written opinion by the Department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) on how a particular law applies in specific circumstances presented by the person or entity that requested the letter.
The opinion letters issued today are:- FLSA2021-1: Addressing whether account managers at a life science products manufacturer qualify for the administrative employee exemption under the FLSA.
- FLSA2021-2: Addressing whether the ministerial exception allows a private religious daycare and preschool to pay its teachers on a salary basis that would not otherwise conform with the requirements of the
01-12-2021, 01:43 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Final Rule to Clarify Independent Contractor Status under the Fair Labor Standards Act | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release: January 6, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule clarifying the standard for employee versus independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
“This rule brings long-needed clarity for American workers and employers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Sharpening the test to determine who is an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act makes it easier to identify employees covered by the Act, while recognizing and respecting the entrepreneurial spirit of workers who choose to pursue the freedom associated with being an independent contractor.”
“Streamlining and clarifying the test to identify independent contractors will reduce worker...01-07-2021, 06:18 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Guidance on Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release: January 5, 2021)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration has issued updated guidance that provides implementation information to states regarding two unemployment insurance programs: Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC). On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, reauthorizing the payment of FPUC benefits and creating the new MEUC program. Today’s guidance provides states with important information about the extension of FPUC program authority, and the initial program authorization of MEUC. In addition to reauthorizing FPUC, the new law also modifies the program, which expi...01-07-2021, 03:52 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor publishes Guidance on Expiration of Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave for Coronavirus | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: December 31, 2020)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) today announced additional guidance to provide information to workers and employers about protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The FFCRA’s paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave requirements will expire on Dec. 31, 2020.
The new guidance, in the form of Frequently Asked Questions on the WHD website, addresses whether workers who did not use their leave entitlement under the FFCRA in 2020 may use such leave after Dec. 31, 2020. It also explains how WHD will maintain its enforcement authority over employers’ leave responsibilities while the FFCRA’s paid leave...01-02-2021, 01:50 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Guidance supporting Workplace Flexibilities through Virtual Communication | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: December 29, 2020)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) today announced new guidance in its ongoing efforts to support the American workforce through the pandemic recovery. As employers continue to meet the challenges presented to their businesses by the coronavirus, and as telework arrangements and virtual communication increasingly provide solutions, the agency provides additional guidance to maximize the benefits of these arrangements for employers and workers alike.
Today’s guidance comes in the form of two new Field Assistance Bulletins (FABs):- FAB 2020-7 addresses when, as a matter of enforcement policy, WHD will consider electronic posting by employers by email or an internet or intranet
12-31-2020, 12:02 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor releases the Office of Labor-Management Standards' Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report of Performance and Activities | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release: December 28, 2020)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) has released its annual fiscal year summary of its performance and program activities in its 2020 Annual Report today. OLMS administers and enforces most provisions of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA).
The 2020 report describes OLMS’ actions and accomplishments including the following:- A total of 61 criminal indictments and 69 convictions as well as $3,886,997 in restitution paid or ordered for payment to labor organizations and their members;
- How OLMS exceeded its financial integrity goal to increase the audit-to-criminal case fallout rate, a measurement of OLMS’ effectiveness
12-28-2020, 06:34 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Final Rule to Amend Tipped Employee Regulations | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: December 22, 2020)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule protecting the tips of employees. This rule addresses amendments made to Section 3(m) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2018. The CAA prohibits employers from keeping tips received by their employees, regardless of whether the employer takes a credit for tips earned by workers toward its minimum wage obligation to those employees under the FLSA (a “tip credit”). The rule also prohibits employers from allowing managers or supervisors to keep any portion of employees’ tips. “This final rule provides clarity and flexibility for employers and could increase pay for back-of-the house workers, like cooks and dishwashers, who have been excluded fr...12-26-2020, 08:34 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces availability of $3.3 Million to Fund Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grants | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release: December 22, 2020)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of $3.3 million to fund Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grants to states and outlying areas to expand their Federal Bonding Programs for individuals with criminal records, including those recovering from opioid and other drug addictions. Administered by the Department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the grants will encourage states and workforce development partners to provide fidelity bonds to employers as a hiring tool for persons with criminal records. By doing so, ETA aims to improve employment outcomes and decrease recidivism for such individuals. The grants will also serve to educate employers and the public on fidelity bonds’ availability and benefit...12-22-2020, 06:34 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Implements Inspection Program | site |
Directs agency enforcement resources to "target workplaces with highest injury and illness rates"
(Information contained in Occupational Safety and Health Administration press release dated: December 16, 2020)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is updating its inspection program that directs agency enforcement resources to establishments with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses.
The Site-Specific Targeting (SST) Directive is OSHA's primary targeting program for non-construction establishments with 20 or more employees. The agency selects establishments based on injury and illness data employers submitted on Form 300A for calendar years 2017-2019. The new directive replaces Site-Specific Targeting 2016, and includes the following significant changes:...12-22-2020, 12:06 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Exemption to improve Investment Advice and Enhance Financial Choices for Workers and Retirees| site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release: December 15, 2020)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a new exemption for investment advice fiduciaries. The Department’s actions today benefit American workers and retirees by delivering more choices for their financial future with clear standards to be upheld by investment advice providers. The Department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) developed the exemption. “Today’s action provides clear regulatory standards that ensure American workers and retirees have access to high-quality, affordable investment advice,” U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia said. “In tandem with action taken last year by the Securities and Exchange Commission, this exemption gives Americans a greater o...12-16-2020, 08:50 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Joint Final Rule regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-based Organizations in Department of Labor-supported Social Service Programs | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release: December 14, 2020) Washington, DC - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a joint final rule with eight other Agencies – the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Agency for International Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs – to implement President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13831, on the Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative (May 3, 2018). This rule ensures that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in Department of Labor-supported programs, and it clar...12-14-2020, 07:32 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor launches National Online Dialogue to enhance Cross-agency efforts to Combat Labor Trafficking | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release: December 3, 2020) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a national online dialogue intended to enhance the Department’s efforts and determine how to engage workers, advocates and other stakeholder groups to combat labor trafficking and forced employment more effectively. The Department’s Office of Compliance Initiatives (OCI) is partnering with the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, Centers for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives, Employment and Training Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Office of Disability Employment Policy and Wage and Hour Division for an online conversation through the “U.S. Department of Labor’s Efforts to End Labor Trafficking National Online Dialogue.” Ideas and comments from t...12-05-2020, 02:34 AM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues Detention Order on Cotton Products Made by Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Using Prison Labor | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press release: December 2, 2020) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel at all U.S. ports of entry will detain shipments containing cotton and cotton products originating from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). CBP’s Office of Trade directed the issuance of a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against cotton products made by the XPCC based on information that reasonably indicates the use of forced labor, including convict labor. The WRO applies to all cotton and cotton products produced by the XPCC and its subordinate and affiliated entities as well as any products that are made in whole or in part with or derived from that cotton, such ...12-02-2020, 09:17 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces WIOA Guidance on Priority of Service for Americans in Need
| site |
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor released a Training and Employment Guidance Letter today announcing its vision for a priority of service in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult program and explaining how the Department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) expects states to implement the priority requirement.
As outlined in the guidance, the Department will work with states to strengthen state and local policies and procedures that enhance workforce development services to recipients of public assistance, low-income individuals, and individuals who are deficient in basic skills. This follows the Department’s announcement of a tri-agency initiative with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work with states to better coordinate employment assistance programs...11-27-2020, 07:37 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor emphasizes protecting Worker Safety and Pay during Holiday Season| site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release: November 20, 2020) Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its Wage and Hour Division (WHD) remind employers of their responsibility to protect worker safety and pay during the holiday season. As the nation enters a unique holiday shopping season, employers must ensure that they train all workers to recognize and prevent job hazards, and incorporate safe work practices to prevent exposure to the coronavirus. At the same time, employers must also familiarize themselves and comply with federal rules governing the payment of wages for temporary or seasonal workers. “Throughout the holiday season, all employees, including seasonal workers, should be trained not only on how to perform their jobs safely, but also on how to stay saf...11-20-2020, 11:12 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA announces $2,856,533 in Coronavirus Violations | site |
(November 13, 2020) - - On November 13, 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor published information that included the following:
WASHINGTON, DC – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Nov. 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued 204 citations arising from inspections for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $2,856,533.
OSHA inspections have resulted in the agency citing employers for violations, including failures to:- Implement a written respiratory protection program;
- Provide a medical evaluation, respirator fit test, training on the proper use of a respirator and personal protective equipment;
- Report an injury, illness or fatality;
- Record an injury or illness on OSHA recordkeeping forms; and
- Comply with the General Duty Clause of
11-16-2020, 02:20 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Registration Requirements for Pooled Plan Providers | site |
(November 12, 2020) - - Today the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule establishing registration requirements for pooled plan providers. The rule implements the registration requirements for pooled plan providers pursuant to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (SECURE Act). The SECURE Act amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to establish a new type of multiple employer plan (MEP) called a “pooled employer plan.” Pooled employer plans must be administered by a “pooled plan provider.” “Pooled employer plans will give employers, especially small unrelated employers, a way of offering their employees a workplace retirement savings option with reduced bur...11-12-2020, 02:08 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Kick-off of Sixth Annual National Apprenticeship Week| site |
(November 9, 2020) - - On November 9, 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the start of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2020. NAW 2020 includes a series of events held nationwide as thousands of participants celebrate the dynamic and evolving work of apprentices. This year’s events will focus on both traditional Registered Apprenticeship Programs and newly created Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs. NAW 2020 will focus on themes and industries in which apprenticeships are making a significant difference for American workers, including information technology, healthcare, financial services, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. “Apprentices have a crucial role to play in our ongoing economic recovery, and National Apprenticeship Week is ...11-11-2020, 01:52 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor says it acts to help American Workers and Employers during the Coronavirus Pandemic | site |
(November 9, 2020) - - Today the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor took a range of actions to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.
Reopening America’s Economy:- Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia on the October Jobs Report – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement on the October 2020 Employment Situation Report: “The strong economic rebound continues, with approximately 900,000 private sector jobs gained back in September and again in October, and the October unemployment rate dropping a full point, to 6.9 percent.”
11-09-2020, 07:23 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Guidance alerting Employers to frequently cited Standards related to COVID-19 Inspections| site |
(November 7, 2020) - - Today the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued guidance and an accompanying one-pager to help employers understand which standards are most frequently cited during coronavirus-related inspections. OSHA based these documents on data from citations issued, many of which were the result of complaints, referrals and fatalities in industries such as hospitals and healthcare, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and meat/poultry processing plants.
The one-pager and guidance document provide available resources that address the most frequently cited standards, including Respiratory Protection, Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses,...11-07-2020, 01:37 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Final Rule to update Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology to protect American Workers and Help American Farmers | site |
(November 2, 2020) - - Today, November 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule that updates the methodology for determining the annual Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) in the H-2A visa program. The AEWR is a minimum wage rate that provides a floor below which the wages of agricultural workers cannot be negotiated. Requiring employers to pay the AEWR when it is the highest applicable wage is the primary way the Department meets its statutory obligation to certify that the employment of foreign workers will not adversely affect workers in the United States similarly employed. The new rule improves the consistency of the AEWRs, provides stronger protections for workers, and establi...11-05-2020, 01:27 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Final Rule to Protect Americans' Retirement Investments | site |
(October 30, 2020) - - Today, October 30, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule that updates and clarifies the Department’s investment duties regulation in 29 CFR 2550.404a-1. The final rule intends to provide clear regulatory guideposts for fiduciaries of private-sector retirement and other employee benefit plans in light of recent trends involving environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. During the last 30 years, the Department has periodically considered the application of the fiduciary duties of prudence and loyalty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to plan investments that promote non-financial objectives, such as furthering environmental, social and public policy goals. The Department has issued ...10-30-2020, 10:17 PM -
AFL-CIO Announces a Target Date Fund Series for the Labor Movement| site |
AFL-CIO says Innovative Partnership with Wilmington Trust, BNY Mellon and PGIM Fixed Income Will Bring Low-Cost Product to Market
(October 15, 2020) - - Today, October 15, 2020, the AFL-CIO published the following information:
Washington, D.C.—The AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest federation of labor unions, consisting of 56 affiliate unions representing some 12.5 million working people, today announced its partnership with three major financial institutions—Wilmington Trust, BNY Mellon and PGIM Fixed Income—to launch an innovative target date fund suite specifically suited for defined contribution plans. Target date funds provide a diversified investment mix based on an investor’s age and expected retirement date, shifting from higher equity exposure to higher fixed income exposure throughout an investor’s working life. With more than three-quarters...10-27-2020, 08:34 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor updates Tool to Determine if Health Plans or Insurers comply with Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act | site |
(October 23, 2020) - - Today, October 23, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has released an updated tool to help employers comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and related requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
The improved tool will help group health plans, plan sponsors, plan administrators, health insurance issuers and other parties determine if a group health plan or a health insurance issuer complies with provisions of both laws relating to mental health and substance-use disorder benefits.
“The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensures parity in benefits...10-27-2020, 01:40 AM -
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U.S. Department of Labor publishes Request For Information to Combat Race and Sex Stereotyping | site |
(October 21, 2020) - - Today, October 21, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) today announced it will publish a Request for Information (RFI), as required by Executive Order 13950, “Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping,” on Sept. 22, 2020. The RFI seeks information about federal contractor and subcontractor training, workshops or similar programing provided to employees. Federal contractors and subcontractors, as well as their employees, are encouraged to provide materials in response to the RFI. The Department continuously looks for ways to improve compliance assistance provided to the federal contracting community and will use the information submitted to develop materials and focus its enforcement...10-22-2020, 12:19 AM -
Statement from U.S. Department of Labor | site |
(October 14, 2020) - - Today, October 14, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor released the following statement:
This afternoon, doctors confirmed that U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia’s wife, Trish, tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Mrs. Scalia is experiencing mild symptoms but doing well. This evening, Secretary Scalia received a test and the results were negative; he has experienced no symptoms. The Secretary and Mrs. Scalia will follow the advice of health professionals for Trish’s recovery and the health of those around them. For the time being, the Secretary will work from home while continuing to carry out the mission of the Department and the President’s agenda.
Agency Office of the Secretary
Date October 14, 2020...10-15-2020, 01:42 AM -
U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia delivers Columbus Day and Our American Heritage Speech at Franciscan University of Steubenville | site |
(October 12, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Labor published today, October 12, 2020, the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Steubenville, Ohio, where he delivered remarks at Franciscan University of Steubenville to commemorate Columbus Day as well as America’s national heritage. The speech included the following excerpts: “Through the centuries, Columbus came to represent the spirit of adventure and discovery that we associate with America—our faith in our capacity to seek and find something new and better. We have many heroes who personify our political ideals, but no figure so associated with the questing, the entrepreneurialism, the hope in the new that is part of the American spirit. No other figure so represents our aspiration to make, here in thi...10-13-2020, 04:05 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor and Princeton University reach Agreement to Resolve Pay Disparities in Professors' Positions | site |
(October 5, 2020) - - Today, October 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
NEW YORK, NY – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and Princeton University entered into an early resolution conciliation agreement to resolve allegations of compensation discrimination. Princeton University has agreed to pay $925,000 in back pay and at least $250,000 in future salary adjustments to resolve allegations of compensation discrimination by OFCCP.
While not admitting liability in the investigation, Princeton University agreed to an early resolution conciliation agreement, and to enhance future compliance proactively. OFCCP’s preliminary findings showed that – between 2012 and 2014 – pay disparities existed for 106 female ...10-07-2020, 02:38 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces first Industry-recognized Apprenticeship Program| site |
(October 1, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Labor published today (October 1, 2020) the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Raytheon Technologies as the first Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP), a major milestone in this Administration’s goal to expand apprenticeships and create more job opportunities for American workers. The National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) serves as the Standards Recognition Entity (SRE) overseeing Raytheon’s program. NIMS was recognized by the Department on Sept. 23, 2020, as one of the first SREs under the Administration’s new IRAP rule. This announcement follows a recent meeting on Sept. 25, 2020, where U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia visited the NIMS headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, to discuss apprenticeship expansion with NIMS Executive Director Mo...10-05-2020, 02:30 AM -
AFL-CIO says Labor and Faith Forge Partnership for Social, Racial and Economic Justice| site |
(September 15, 2020) - - The AFL-CIO published today, September 15, 2020, the following information:
Today, the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and the AFL-CIO marked the 57th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, where four girls were killed, with a virtual candlelight vigil and commitment to a 10-point pledge for social, racial and economic justice. At this moment in history, labor and faith are coming together, standing together and acting to stop the injustices that plague the nation—institutional racism and racist violence, the immoral response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the deepening economic crisis driven by division and greed. “We’re here together—the Poor People’s Campaign and America’s AFL-CIO, America’s unions—because we have to be. We must be,” the Rev. Dr. Wil...09-21-2020, 04:19 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Awards $11.2 Million in Worker Safety and Health Training Grants | site |
(September 18, 2020) - - Today, September 18, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has awarded approximately $11.2 million in Susan Harwood federal safety and health training grants to 90 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The grants will provide education and training programs to help workers and employers recognize serious workplace hazards, including the coronavirus, implement injury prevention measures and understand their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Under President Trump’s Qualified Opportunity Zones Executive Order, OSHA awarded 80 grants to conduct occupational safety and health training in urban and economically distressed areas. The 2020 Harwood grant awards al...09-21-2020, 08:55 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Awards nearly $24 Million in Grants for Job Corps Scholars Program for At-Risk Youth| site |
(May 28, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the awarding of 20 grants totaling nearly $24 million as part of the Job Corps Scholars Program, a new national demonstration project aimed at providing at-risk youth with job skills instruction, educational opportunities and individualized employment counseling. The grantees include accredited, two-year, public community colleges; accredited, public two- and four-year historically black colleges and universities (HBCU); and accredited tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCU) that will serve Job Corps-eligible youth and young adults from 16 to 24 years of age. "As we look towards defeating coronavirus and reopening our economy, the Job Corps Scholars Program provides an innova...05-29-2020, 03:41 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Adopts Revised Enforcement Policies for Coronavirus| site |
(May 19, 2020) - - Today (May 19, 2020) the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted revised policies for enforcing OSHA's requirements with respect to coronavirus as economies reopen in states throughout the country. Throughout the course of the pandemic, understanding about the transmission and prevention of infection has improved. The government and the private sector have taken rapid and evolving measures to slow the virus's spread, protect employees, and adapt to new ways of doing business. Now, as states begin reopening their economies, OSHA has issued two revised enforcement policies to ensure employers are taking action to protect their employees. First, OSHA is increasing in-person inspections at all types of workplaces. The ...05-22-2020, 03:54 AM -
Treasury, IRS and Labor announce Plan to implement Coronavirus-related Paid Leave for Workers and Tax Credits for Small and Midsize Businesses to swiftly Recover the Cost of providing Coronavirus-related Leave | site |
(March 20, 2020) - - In a press release dated March 20, 2020 the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provided the following information:
WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) announced that small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees. This relief to employees and small and midsize businesses is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act), signed by President Trump on March 18, 2020. The Act will help the United States combat and ...03-23-2020, 03:38 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Final Rule To Increase Financial Transparency for Unions| site |
(March 5, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) today announced a final rule to establish the “Form T-1” Trust Annual Report that requires unions to file annual financial reports concerning their trusts. These annual reports will increase the financial transparency of unions and ensure that members have access to information about their union’s financial transactions. The Federal Register will publish the final rule on March 6, 2020.
The final rule requires a labor organization with total annual receipts of $250,000 or more to file a Form T-1, under certain circumstances, for each trust of the type defined by section 3(l) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). Such labor organizations...03-05-2020, 04:58 PM -
U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia Signs First Secretary’s Orders and Announces Department Management Decisions| site |
(February 21, 2020) - - Today (February 21, 2020), the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia announced a series of management decisions, including his first Secretary's Orders since his confirmation in September 2019. "Two constitutional principles that have guided me since my confirmation are 'fair notice' and the duty to 'take care that the laws be faithfully executed,'" Secretary Scalia said. "Establishing policy for the Department, making sure the Department is well-run, and taking responsibility for its actions are important duties of the Secretary of Labor. Today's actions enhance the ability that I and future secretaries will have to fulfill those duties." Secretary's Orders are the primary means for formally communicating policies, decisions r...02-28-2020, 01:02 AM -
General Services Administration and the Department of Labor partner in Centers of Excellence Initiative| site |
The two agencies are entering into an agile, sprint-based approach to capture requirements and define a path forward for acquisition, design, and implementation
(February 13, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) published the following information: WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. General Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) are entering into a partnership, as part of GSA’s Centers of Excellence (CoE) initiative, housed within the Technology Transformation Services (TTS) office. This newest CoE engagement will accelerate the modernization of DOL’s acquisition capabilities using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) expertise, a part of GSA’s newly formed Artificial Intelligence (AI) CoE. It will also position these capabilities to be scaled throughout the Department as a shared...02-14-2020, 01:11 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Proposed Rule Regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations in U.S. Department of Labor-Supported Social Service Programs| site |
(January 16, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Labor published (today) the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor (the Department) is proposing a rule that would implement President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13831 (May 3, 2018), remove regulatory burdens on religious organizations and ensure that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in Department-supported programs. The proposed rule is intended to better ensure that Department-supported social service programs are implemented in a manner that treats religious organizations fairly, consistent with the Constitution and other applicable federal law. The Department looks forward to public comments on the proposed rule. “Our nation has a proud heritage of religiou...01-16-2020, 05:02 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces John Lowry III as New Assistant Secretary for the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service| site |
(January 6, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that John Lowry III of Chicago, Illinois has been sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS). "I'm thankful that John Lowry has brought his incredible experience, expertise, and passion to the Department of Labor," U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia said. "As a Marine Corps veteran who's had a successful career in business, he understands well how military service can lead to exceptional contributions in the private sector. John's conviction is that America's veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses deserve every opportunity to succeed." Assistant Secretary Lowry spent 25 years in military se...01-09-2020, 08:47 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Proposal to Protect Workers’ Rights by Increasing Financial Transparency and Union Democracy | site |
(December 16, 2019) - - Today (December 16, 2019), the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON DC – The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would increase financial transparency and democratic procedures for intermediate bodies under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA), also known as the Landrum-Griffin Act. The NPRM proposes a return to OLMS' 2003 interpretation that mid-level public sector labor organizations, also known as intermediate bodies, are covered under the LMRDA if the intermediate body's national or international organization is also covered under the LMRDA. Under the proposal, these intermediate bodies also would be subject to provisions such as ann...12-24-2019, 03:40 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Promotes Worker Safety And Pay During the Holiday Season | site |
(November 27, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Wage and Hour Division (WHD) remind employers to protect worker safety and pay during the upcoming holiday season.
"During the busy holiday season, employers must focus on protecting their workers by anticipating and preventing potential hazards in the workplace," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. "All workers deserve a safe workplace whether they are stocking shelves, packing boxes, delivering products or selling merchandise."
OSHA offers holiday workplace safety resources on warehousing, tractor trailer drivers, forklift safety, winter weather and crowd management. General...12-02-2019, 01:19 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor says it Restored Over $2.5 Billion To Employee Benefit Plans and Participants | site |
(November 21, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today released its program results for Fiscal Year 2019. EBSA’s enforcement and benefit advisor programs recovered over $2.5 billion in payments to plans, participants and beneficiaries. EBSA’s enforcement program reported over $2 billion in recoveries from its investigations. Under its Terminated Vested Participant Project, EBSA helped participants collect nearly $1.5 billion in retirement benefits owed to them in the form of lump sum payments, present value of lifetime annuity payments and interest. EBSA’s criminal investigations led to the indictment of 76 individuals – including plan officials, corporate officers, and service providers – f...11-25-2019, 03:08 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Releases Updated Technical Assistance Guide For Construction Industry Contractors| site |
(November 13, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has released a comprehensive Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) for the construction industry. The guide will assist contractors meet their legal requirements and responsibilities for equal employment opportunity by preventing violations before they occur.
OFCCP published the TAG for the construction industry to reflect current regulations and provide practical, useful compliance assistance resources for contractors in the construction industry. This guide provides a valuable self-assessment tool for contractors to review the practices they have in place to eliminate discrimination and achieve their equal employment opportunity...11-18-2019, 06:47 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Job Corps Contracting Reform| site |
(August 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor announced the release of the first solicitation under the new firm-fixed price approach to procuring Job Corps center operations on Federal Business Opportunities at https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportun...=core&_cview=0 . The vast majority of Job Corps centers are operated through contracts awarded on a competitive basis to private business operators. The Department of Labor today issued a solicitation to procure services of a contractor to operate the Flint Genesee Job Corps Center in Flint, Michigan. “The development and training of students is the top priority of every Job Corps Center,” Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella said. “Today’s announcement is a historic shift in the Department’s continued efforts to help stu...08-20-2019, 08:29 AM -
U.S. Secretary of Labor Acosta Announces Start of National Apprenticeship Week
Washington, DC - - (November 12, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today announced the start of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). This year’s theme – Apprenticeships: Creating Tomorrow – celebrates the impact apprenticeship programs have in helping Americans learn skills for jobs in growing industries. NAW will continue through November 18. “President Trump’s Administration is committed to expanding apprenticeships and workforce investment across all industries. Apprenticeship is a proven way to help Americans learn the skills they need for good, safe, family-sustaining jobs,” said Secretary Acosta. “National Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity to showcase how businesses, labor, educational institutions, trade and industry groups, and public officials across the nation are expandi...11-13-2018, 08:12 AM -
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Statement on Dept. of Labor Rulemaking on H-2A Visa Program
Washington, DC - - (November 8, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today praised proposed rulemaking by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), which could help farmers advertise job openings to domestic workers as required under the H-2A visa program. The DOL rulemaking would require that employers seeking to hire temporary workers post the employment opportunities online, rather than in expensive newspapers advertisements reaching a limited audience. This is an early step in H-2A regulatory reforms as promised in May in a joint statement of the Secretaries of Agriculture, Labor, State, and Homeland Security. Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “When I travel around the country, one of the biggest concerns farmers raise is the shortage of legal farm labor. Ou...11-10-2018, 12:16 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Launches New Public Service Announcement Highlighting Importance and Value of Employees with Disabilities
Washington, DC - - (October 29, 2018) - - As part of its annual commemoration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the U.S. Department of Labor today launched a new public service announcement (PSA) that highlights the importance of helping workers who become ill or injured remain active in America's workforce. Featuring baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr., the PSA, entitled "Working Works," highlights four individuals sharing their own stories of working together with employers, healthcare professionals, and others to ensure that continued employment is part of the conversation early and often during the recovery process. Ripken appears with former Baltimore Orioles head athletic trainer, Richie Bancells, who supported Ripken's efforts to overcome...10-31-2018, 03:19 AM -
U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor Announce Proposal to Expand Access to Quality, Affordable Health Coverage
Washington, DC - - (October 23, 2018) - - The U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor today issued a proposed regulation that expands the usability of health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). HRAs are designed to give working Americans and their families greater control over their healthcare by providing an additional way for employers to finance quality, affordable health insurance. This proposed regulation is in response to President Trump’s Executive Order on “Promoting Healthcare Choice and Competition Across the United States,” and will benefit hundreds of thousands of businesses and millions of workers and their families in the coming years. “Today’s proposed regulations will expand the availabilit...10-27-2018, 04:15 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Provides Compliance Assistance Resources To Secure Employee Benefits
Washington, DC - - (October 24, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has developed compliance assistance resources to help protect employee benefits. EBSA's goal is to help workers by restoring plan assets and securing the payment of promised benefits, and to help employee benefit officials understand the law. These tools give employee benefit plans the ability to self-correct violations, and further the goals of the Department's recently announced Office of Compliance Initiatives (OCI) to encourage and facilitate compliance.
The Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program explains what corrective action is required and provides a mechanism for relief from enforcement actions and excise taxes under the Internal Revenue Code for 19 separate...10-25-2018, 11:14 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Proposal to Help Small Businesses Strengthen Retirement Security for Millions of American Workers
President Trump Seeks to Expand Access to Association Retirement Plans
Washington, DC - - (October 22, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to help small businesses strengthen retirement security in America. The proposed rule would make it easier for small businesses to offer retirement savings plans to their workers through Association Retirement Plans, which would allow small businesses to band together to offer 401(k) plans to their employees. "President Donald J. Trump is moving to expand quality, affordable workplace retirement plan options for America's small businesses and their employees. Many small businesses would like to offer retirement benefits to their employees, but are disc...10-23-2018, 05:08 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces New Compliance Assistance Tools To Assist New and Small Businesses
Washington, DC - - (October 17, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the launch of the New and Small Business Assistance and the Compliance Assistance Toolkits webpages. These new online tools assist American small businesses and workers with simple, straightforward resources that provide critical Wage and Hour Division (WHD) information, as well as links to other resources. The webpages were established in response to feedback received from new and small business stakeholders voicing their need for a centralized location to secure the tools and information they need to comply with federal labor laws. These new webpages provide the most relevant publications and answer the questions most frequently asked by new and small business owners. These tools, in conjunction...10-18-2018, 01:35 AM -
Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Acosta on the September Jobs Report
Washington, DC - - (October 5, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today issued the following statement regarding the September 2018 Employment Situation report: "In September, the unemployment rate fell to 3.7%, the lowest since 1969. "Encouraging indicators were broad based. For the fifth month this year, the unemployment rate has been below 4.0%. The unemployment rate for women fell to 3.6%, the lowest in 65 years, and the unemployment rate for Hispanics matched a record low set in July 2018. The number of unemployed fell below six million for the first time since December 2000. "This jobs report shows continued steady job creation, with 134,000 jobs added last month, and upward revisions of 87,000 jobs for July and August – bringing the total to 221,000 new jobs. Since President Trump's e...10-08-2018, 04:54 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Awards Disaster Recovery Grant to North Carolina in Wake of Hurricane Florence
Washington, DC - - (September 21, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of a Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) to the North Carolina Department of Commerce to assess workforce needs in response to Hurricane Florence. Hurricane Florence brought record amounts of rainfall and flooding to the affected counties. The storm received a major disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on September 14, 2018, enabling the State to request DWG funding to assess workforce needs in the following 18 counties declared eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Jones, New Hanover, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Robeson, Sampson, an...09-24-2018, 05:15 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Stands Ready to Assist Georgia in Wake of Hurricane Florence
Washington, DC - - (September 14, 2018) - - As part of its commitment to state and local partners facing a serious impact by Hurricane Florence, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced it is ready to make available National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) funding to help Georgia assess its workforce needs. "The U.S. Department of Labor is prepared to deploy resources to help Georgians who, as a result of Hurricane Florence, find themselves unable to work and without a paycheck," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "The American workforce – along with our volunteers and first responders – is the greatest in the world. As we did during last year's destructive hurricane season, Americans will come together to rebuild their communities. The Department of Labor is here to help ensure...09-15-2018, 06:49 PM -
U.S. Secretary of Labor Acosta and U.S. Small Business Administrator McMahon Discuss President Trump’s Support for American Job Creators
Chicago, IL - - (August 22, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and U.S. Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon discussed President Trump’s strong support for America’s small business job creators during a visit today to Superior Graphite, a small business manufacturer in Chicago. After a tour of the facility, Secretary Acosta and Administrator McMahon participated in a roundtable discussion with leaders from several small businesses. “President Trump’s pro-jobs policies have given American job creators the confidence to grow and hire. For the first time ever, job openings in America exceed the number of job seekers. Since the President’s election, 412,000 new manufacturing jobs have been created,” said Secretary Acosta. ...08-22-2018, 10:34 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces New Policies to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity and Protect Religious Freedom
Washington, DC - - (August 10, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) today announced two new policy directives focused on ensuring equal employment opportunity and protecting Americans’ religious freedom. The equal employment opportunity directive calls for more comprehensive reviews of contractor compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws, and the religious freedom directive protects the rights of religion-exercising organizations. By law, federal contractors are required to take affirmative steps to ensure equal opportunity in their employment processes. OFCCP enforces federal laws that prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual...08-14-2018, 10:43 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Funding Availability for Trade and Economic Transition National Dislocated Worker Grants
Washington, DC - - (August 8, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) today announced the availability of up to $100 million for Trade and Economic Transition National Dislocated Worker Grants to provide training and career services to dislocated workers affected by major economic dislocations.
Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Trade and Economic Transition grants provide funding to states, outlying areas, eligible tribal governments and other entities to address one or more of the following events:- the economic and workforce impacts associated with job loss or employer/industrial reorganization due to trade or automation;
- the loss, significant decline, or major structural change/reorganization
08-14-2018, 07:09 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Apprenticeship.gov to Connect Job Seekers and Employers
Washington, DC - - (June 15, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the launch of Apprenticeship.gov .
Apprenticeship.gov delivers on the Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion's recommendation to "compile apprenticeship information in a single, online, centralized website." The website will evolve into a robust one-stop platform to connect job seekers, job creators, training providers, parents, teachers, and federal and local workforce agencies with information and resources to learn more about apprenticeships, how to establish apprenticeship program, and how to access open apprenticeship opportunities.
The initial launch of Apprenticeship.gov comes at the one-year anniversary of President Trump's Executive Order Expanding Apprenticeships in America,...06-19-2018, 03:09 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Memorandum Outlining Enforcement of Silica Standard for General Industry and Maritime
Washington, DC - - (June 8, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today issued a memorandum outlining the initial enforcement of the standard for respirable crystalline silica in general industry and maritime. Most provisions of the standard become enforceable on June 23, 2018. The standard establishes a new 8-hour time-weighted average permissible exposure limit, action level, and associated ancillary requirements.
During the first 30 days of enforcement, OSHA will offer compliance assistance for employers who make good faith efforts to comply with the new standard. OSHA intends to issue interim enforcement guidance until a compliance directive on the new standards is finalized.
OSHA’s Small...06-15-2018, 06:31 AM -
Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Acosta on the May Jobs Report
Washington, DC - - (June 1, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement regarding the May 2018 Employment Situation report: “With the unemployment rate falling to 3.8% in May, the lowest in over 18 years, America’s job market remains strong. The unemployment rates for African-Americans and Asian-Americans reached record lows. Adult women and adult men recorded the lowest unemployment rates since 2000, at 3.3% and 3.5% respectively. “With 223,000 jobs created in May, America’s job creators have now added over 3.4 million jobs since President Trump’s election. That job increase includes more than a million jobs since the President signed his tax cuts package into law five months ago. “Wages continue to rise, although we want to see even more growth. As the President works to e...06-05-2018, 05:16 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor to Offer Wage Seminar in Richmond
Richmond, VA - - (May 4, 2018) - - In keeping with its mission to protect the American workforce, the U.S. Department of Labor will hold a seminar on Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in Richmond on May 16. Hosted by the Department’s Wage and Hour Division, the event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 8 a.m. at the Federal Office Building on 400 N. 8th St. Admission is free. Section 14(c) of the FLSA is designed to offer more job opportunities for workers with disabilities when their disability affects their productive capacity for the work being performed. The seminar will cover topics including the 14(c) certification process, prevailing wage surveys, and time studies. It will also address provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA). ...05-05-2018, 09:51 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration Completes Application Goal
Washington, DC - - (April 30, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that the HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration has reached its application goal, and the registration period is now closed. This November, the Department will recognize employers who qualified for the HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration Award. The program demonstration enabled up to 300 employers to apply and prepare those who registered for an account on the HIREVets.gov website. “Our veterans possess the skills necessary to excel in today’s workplace,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “The HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration provides an important opportunity to reenergize employers who are supporting the heroes who have served our nation.” The full HIRE Vets Medall...05-02-2018, 09:04 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Grants to Help Reform Licensing Requirements and Increase Portability
Washington, DC - - (April 12, 2018) - - As part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s ongoing efforts to encourage occupational licensing reform, the Department today announced $7.5 million in funds to help review and streamline occupational licensing rules. Funds will be available to states, and associations of states, to review, eliminate and reform licensing requirements, and to promote portability of state licenses. Additionally, grant funding will be available to post-secondary institutions and occupational licensing partners to address barriers to licensure for veterans and transitioning service members. “Excessive licensing raises the cost of entry, often prohibitively, for many careers, barring many Americans from good, family-sustaining jobs. In 1950, only 1 in 20 jobs ...04-12-2018, 04:31 PM