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.

WASHINGTON — Senior officials from the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Trade Representative today issued a joint statement with their counterparts from the Republic of Korea following the first meeting of the Labor Affairs Council under the 2012 U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration today announced the availability of approximately $20 million in grant funds to help adult inmates prepare to re-enter the workforce. The department expects to award 15 grants of up to $1.4 million each to organizations that will provide training and employment to inmates ages 18 and older participating in state or local work release programs.

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris today issued the following statement regarding passage in the House of Representatives of the Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills Act:

"Strengthening the American workforce development system is critical to sustaining our economic recovery and continuing the growth of middle-class jobs.

LOS ANGELES — U.S. District Court Judge Margaret Morrow has ordered Los Angeles-based apparel retailer Forever 21 to produce documents demanded by an administrative subpoena issued by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. The order is the latest in a series of actions to arise from the department's continuing effort to address widespread violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage, overtime and record-keeping provisions in the Southern California apparel industry.

Date of Action: March 1, 2013

Type of Action: Default judgment

Names of Defendants: Gregory J. Harmon and Breeden & Collier Inc.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,119,339 National Emergency Grant increment to continue cleanup and recovery efforts across Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac.

"Louisiana continues to need assistance to recover from the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Isaac last year,"said acting Secretary Seth D. Harris. "These Labor Department grant funds will help rebuild homes and businesses, and make communities stronger."