ICYMI: U.S. Department of Labor Acts to Help American Workers and Employers During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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 Eugene Scalia on Strong Economic Data – Secretary Scalia issued a statement regarding the strong economic data released Thursday: “This morning’s economic news shows sustained momentum and confirms that our nation is bouncing back from the coronavirus pandemic faster than predicted.”

• Secretary Scalia traveled to Minnesota, Missouri, and Michigan to highlight workforce development – Secretary Scalia joined Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) in Le Center, Minnesota where they toured the candy-making company Maud Borup.  Secretary Scalia then traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, where he discussed President Trump’s continued efforts to safely reopen the economy and strengthen America’s workforce with local business leaders, and discussed apprenticeships with workers and company executives at Seyer Industries.  Secretary Scalia ended the trip talking about USMCA and the economy with workers and executives at Atlas Tube in Detroit.

Keeping America’s Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Announces $2,025,431 In Coronavirus Violations – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Oct. 22, 2020, OSHA has cited 144 establishments for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $2,025,431.

• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Respiratory Protection Guidance For Long-Term Care Facilities During the Coronavirus Pandemic – OSHA has issued respiratory protection guidance focused on protecting workers in nursing homes, assisted living and other long-term care facilities from occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus.

Defending Workers’ Rights to Paid Leave and Wages Earned:

• The Wage and Hour Division has concluded more than 3,000 cases under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), finding over $2.7 million in back wages due for workers and hundreds of cases remain open.  At the same time, the agency has conducted over 2,400 outreach events related to FFCRA.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Labor is focused on protecting the safety and health of American workers, assisting our state partners as they deliver traditional unemployment and expanded unemployment benefits, ensuring Americans know their rights to new paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave, providing guidance and assistance to employers, and carrying out the mission of the Department.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.