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.

Keeping America’s Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Announces $3,301,932 In Coronavirus Violations – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Nov. 19, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued citations arising from 244 inspections for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $3,301,932.

Defending Workers’ Rights to Paid Leave and Wages Earned:

• Southern California Manufacturer Pays Back Wages, Restores Sick Leave To Dozens of Workers During Coronavirus Pandemic – After an investigation by the Wage and Hour Division, a sheet metal parts manufacturer based in Canoga Park, California, will pay $19,694 in back wages to 71 employees. The company wrongly paid workers only two-thirds of their regular rates when they took coronavirus-related sick leave, a violation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

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.