WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the launch of virtual enrollment to support the expansion of student participation in Job Corps’ education and technical skills training program.

Now, small cohorts of new students may participate in the program by enrolling virtually and completing their 60-day “Career Preparation Period” of training online, instead of reporting directly to Job Corps’ campuses.

JACKSON, AL – When employers disregard safety measures and fail to properly supervise employees, the risks of serious injuries or illnesses increases – this is exactly the scenario that OSHA inspectors discovered during an investigation at iSpice LLC, a global spice importer, processor and supplier based in Jackson, Alabama. OSHA found workers exposed to amputation, struck-by, crushed-by and electrical hazards. The company faces $121,511 in penalties.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Delta Regional Authority, today announced the availability of approximately $29.2 million in a third round of grant funding for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Initiative. Grant awards will range from $150,000 up to $1.5 million.

In the week ending April 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 547,000, a decrease of 39,000 from the previous week's revised level. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. The previous week's level was revised up by 10,000 from 576,000 to 586,000. The 4-week moving average was 651,000, a decrease of 27,750 from the previous week's revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since March 14, 2020 when it was 225,500. The previous week's average was revised down by 4,250 from 683,000 to 678,750.

CINCINNATI, OH – A Cincinnati pastor who collected $121,344 in pension funds and Social Security benefits under his deceased father’s name for more than four years will serve 180 days home confinement, and 3 years’ probation after pleading guilty in federal court in Ohio on Sept. 30, 2020.

BISMARCK, ND – Before they fill the first bucket of dirt this construction season, Wagner Construction Inc. will train employees on trenching and excavation hazards, develop detailed site-specific safety plans and has employed a full-time safety manager to protect workers from deadly excavation hazards.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded more than $146 million to workforce agencies in 48 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia to operate their Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments programs. 

WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh issued the following statement regarding the verdict in the State of Minnesota v. Derek Chauvin:

“This verdict affirms that the murder of George Floyd was a profound injustice, as well as a devastating blow to a family and a community. Today we remember George Floyd’s life, pray for his family and all who loved him, and honor his memory by rededicating ourselves to the work of achieving racial justice and economic equity for all.”

OLIVER SPRINGS, TN – Fifty workers misclassified as independent contractors by an Oliver Springs home health care service provider received a total of $358,675 in back wages to resolve overtime violations found in a U.S. Department of Labor investigation.

PITTSBURGH – For more than a century, The Ziegler Tire and Supply Company has changed tires and wheels, and made repairs on all types of vehicles at locations in Ohio and surrounding states, but the company fell flat when it came to paying workers in three states for all the wages they legally earned.

Following a federal investigation that found overtime and recordkeeping violations, the U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $129,612 in back wages for 154 workers in Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Ohio.  

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor is extending an invitation to teens, parents, educators, employers and other interested stakeholders to join a national online dialogue through April 30 to gather ideas on how the department can connect with teens better.

BOYNTON BEACH, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division works hard to help employers understand that violating federal labor laws can be costly, a lesson a Boynton Beach-based residential construction contractor has learned.

FORT WASHINGTON, PA – A Fort Washington organization that employed at-risk teens to peddle candy and other items door-to-door is alleged to have violated federal child labor laws. 

PARIS, IL – On Nov. 14, 2020, a master maintenance technician for a central Illinois lighting manufacturer suffered severe facial burns when pressurized material in a plastic molding machine exploded.

KELLOGG, ID – Subcontractors on a federally funded Superfund project in Kellogg failed to pay workers all the wages they earned, until a U.S. Department of Labor investigation recovered $91,116 in back wages and benefits for 79 employees.  

ORLANDO, FL – Private mail carriers provide useful support in mail delivery across the nation, and those who work for these federal contractors are expected to meet schedules, and follow specific standards. When three Florida-based contractors failed to deliver all of the workers’ hard-earned wages, the U.S. Department of Labor responded on the workers’ behalf.

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – During the pandemic, commercial cleaning workers remain a lifeline to businesses, keeping employees, customers and others safe. These workers risk coronavirus exposure in return for the wages they need to care for themselves and their families.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award a $382,579 grant to the Maine Department of Labor to promote and enhance its Short-Time Compensation program.

CAMBRIDGE, MA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Dellbrook/JKS Inc., a regional construction management company, have signed a partnership agreement to promote worker safety and health at a construction project near the Fresh Pond Reservation in Cambridge.

In the week ending April 10, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 576,000, a decrease of 193,000 from the previous week's revised level. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. The previous week's level was revised up by 25,000 from 744,000 to 769,000. The 4-week moving average was 683,000, a decrease of 47,250 from the previous week's revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since March 14, 2020 when it was 225,500. The previous week's average was revised up by 6,500 from 723,750 to 730,250.