WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs today announced a $15 million competitive solicitation for a cooperative agreement to combat exploitative child labor internationally by implementing the Global Action Program. This initiative aims to advance and scale up ILAB's global efforts to reduce the prevalence of child labor and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations, including child domestic workers.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs today announced a $2.5 million competitive solicitation for a cooperative agreement to evaluate and monitor child labor projects funded by the agency.

WASHINGTON — Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy, today testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to discuss the U.S. Department of Labor's public and private partnership initiatives designed to connect people with disabilities and employment opportunities.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a first-of-its-kind federal website to make it easier for software developers to incorporate Labor Department data into online and mobile applications. The site features published application program interfaces, known as APIs, and software development kits, known as SDKs, which allow developers to remotely access data collected by the department.

Top advisors on disability issues to answer questions submitted electronically by the public

WASHINGTON — Members of the White House Domestic Policy Council, Office of Public Engagement and Office of Presidential Personnel will participate in a virtual town hall meeting hosted by Disability.gov, the federal government's website for disability-related information, on Thursday, July 14, from 1-2 p.m. EDT. The event will be streamed live on the site's home page.

P. Gioioso & Sons Inc. repeatedly cited for unprotected trenches and excavations

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding record temperatures across the country:

"Record heat is hitting the nation, putting outdoor workers at risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Plan now so that you can take the precautions needed to protect outdoor workers during this heat wave:

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration today launched from New Orleans, La., Strong Cities, Strong Communities, to be known as SC2, a customized pilot initiative to strengthen capacity and spark economic growth in local communities, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently. To accomplish these objectives, federal agencies will provide experienced staff to work directly with six cities: Chester, Pa.; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Mich.; Fresno, Calif.; Memphis, Tenn.; and New Orleans.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the June 2011 Employment Situation report released today:

"Our nation's labor market experienced slower growth in the month of June. The private sector added 57,000 jobs, but federal, state and local governments cut a combined 39,000 positions, resulting in a total gain of 18,000 non-farm payroll jobs last month. The national unemployment rate edged up to 9.2 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is seeking nominations for membership to the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health by Sept. 6.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the introduction of federal legislation to reform the unemployment insurance system:

"I am pleased that Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Rosa DeLauro have introduced legislation to reform the UI system to benefit both workers and employers across the U.S. The legislation put forward promotes short-time compensation, also known as 'work-sharing.'

Special Factor: Minnesota has indicated that approximately 2,500 of their reported initial claims are a result of state employees filing due to the state government shutdown.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 2, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 418,000, a decrease of 14,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 432,000. The 4-week moving average was 424,750, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous week's revised average of 427,750.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has obtained an agreement for Maryland's Prince George's County Public Schools system to pay $4,222,146 in back wages due 1,044 workers to resolve violations of the H-1B temporary foreign worker program. Investigators from the department found that PGCPS illegally reduced the wages of the H-1B workers by requiring them to pay fees that the school system was required to pay.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced that Jay Williams will serve as the new director of recovery for auto communities and workers. Beginning on Aug. 8, Williams will lead the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers as it assists auto communities in identifying federal resources that may be used as part of their recovery efforts. Where resources are lacking, the office will recommend changes or new methods that can be used toward the revitalization of these communities.

Systemic labor violations found throughout call centers in Florida, Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Department of Labor has obtained a consent judgment and order to restore $46,869 to the employee benefit plan of now defunct AC General Engineering Inc., formerly located in Sacramento. The consent judgment and order resolve a lawsuit filed by the Labor Department in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the company and its officers and co-owners, Christopher Barringer and Atilano Alcala.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the importance of Trade Adjustment Assistance:

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2 million National Emergency Grant to create temporary jobs for eligible workers who will assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms and flooding in Illinois that began on April 19.

"Spring storms dealt a severe blow to the communities of southern Illinois this year," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will help the residents in this region to clean up their towns and begin to get back on their feet."

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,201,250 National Emergency Grant to create temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers who will assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms and flooding in Vermont that began on April 23.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $3,435,544 National Emergency Grant increment to continue to provide re-employment and training services to workers affected by layoffs in Tulare County, Calif. Funding will help workers prepare for careers in growing areas of the regional economy including agribusiness, renewable energy, supply chain logistics, health care and advanced manufacturing.