ARLINGTON, Va. – Rox Coal Inc., which operates the Geronimo Mine in Somerset County, Pa., has been found in violation of a mandatory electrical hazard safety standard by an administrative law judge with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. The ALJ deemed the violation "quintessentially flagrant" and ordered the company to pay a $110,000 civil penalty.

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris will host a Web-based question-and-answer session on the U.S. Department of Labor's fiscal year 2014 budget request at 2:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 10. He will be joined by assistant secretaries and senior staff.

Information about the department's fiscal year 2014 budget request will be posted at http://www.dol.gov/budget/ at or about 1:30 p.m. EDT on April 10.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $17,171,188 National Emergency Grant increment to continue to provide re-employment and training services to more than 4,700 workers affected by layoffs from private and public sector employers in Central and Southern California.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $285,804 National Emergency Grant increment to continue re-employment assistance for about 400 workers affected by layoffs while working at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site in southeastern Washington state.

Date of Action: April 4, 2013

Name(s) of Defendant(s): Charles Yaskulski, Eagle Warranty Corp., and Eagle Warranty Corp. profit sharing plan

ARLINGTON, Va. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration today announced the release of preliminary data for 2012 that indicate the lowest fatality and injury rates in the history of U.S. mining.

"MSHA at a Glance," with updated information on inspections, violations, mines and miners, as well as injury and fatality rates, is available on the agency's website, http://www.msha.gov, under "Fact Sheets."

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris issued the following statement about the March 2013 Employment Situation report released today:

"With the addition of 95,000 new private sector jobs in March, we see more evidence that the U.S. economy continues to bounce back, but not quickly enough for too many middle-class families. The unemployment rate ticked downward slightly to 7.6 percent, the seventh consecutive month below 8 percent.

Groups nationwide invited to compete for up to $5 million in funds

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of up to $5 million to fund 16 or more Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program grants. Approximately 2,600 veterans will receive job training and related services to help them succeed in civilian careers.

Date of Action: March 29, 2013

Type of Action: Complaint

Name(s) of Defendant(s): Eugene Kiser, Moniquea Scott, KIP Corp.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $26 million in grants to improve the long-term labor market prospects of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. The "Face Forward"grants are designed to give youth a chance at success by offering support services, training and skills development that can help them obtain employment and overcome the stigma of a juvenile record.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor today transmitted to Congress the third annual report on self-insured employee health benefit plans. The report, which is established by the Affordable Care Act, contains general information on self-insured employee health benefit plans and financial information on the employers that sponsor them.

US Labor Department briefs offer recommendations for responding to aging workforce

WASHINGTON — Providing accommodations to aging workers with disabilities, chronic health problems or reduced work capacity can help employers retain experienced staff who might otherwise leave the workforce prematurely, according to two briefs issued today by the U.S. Department of Labor.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration today announced that federal inspectors issued 196 citations, 24 orders and three safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at 11 coal mines and three metal/nonmetal mines last month.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the launch of the Business Center, a suite of online resources for employers looking to recruit, train and retain a skilled work force through the department's CareerOneStop Web site.

Date of Action: March 11, 2013

Type of Action: Complaint

Name(s) of Defendant(s): Anderson-McGriff Company, Anne Reagan Head as executrix of the estate of John F. Head, III, Jacqueline Crisci as executrix of the estate of John F. Head, III, Lauren Head as executrix of the estate of John F. Head, III, and Anderson-McGriff Company profit-sharing and 401(k) plan.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a $1 million National Emergency Grant increment to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to continue funding temporary jobs for cleanup and recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaac.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky has granted a default judgment against D & C Mining Corp. of Harlan County, Ky., affirming the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration's complaint. The mine operator owes $1.67 million in unpaid civil penalties for violations of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, along with interest and administrative costs.

Date of Action: March 8, 2013

Type of Action: Complaint

Name of Defendant: Sunrise Enterprises 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris issued the following statement on today's release of 2012 veterans' employment data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

"Today's veterans' employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows promising signs that post-9/11 veterans are finding and keeping jobs in larger numbers as our overall economy continues its steady recovery. But it also makes clear that we must continue to use every tool available to honor their sacrifice by helping veterans find opportunities to succeed in good middle-class jobs.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,183,749 National Emergency Grant for training and re-employment services to assist nearly 400 workers throughout Missouri affected by the closure of Hostess Brands Inc.

Most of the workers were employed at 39 work sites throughout Missouri; however, the grant also will serve Missouri residents employed at three locations in Kansas and one in Oklahoma. It may also assist workers leased to Hostess by other companies.