ROME, GA – Crothall Laundry Services Inc. has agreed to pay $72,000 in back wages after a routine compliance evaluation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) found alleged systematic hiring discrimination violations at its Rome, Georgia, worksite.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) today released advance informational copies of the 2018 Form 5500 Annual Return/Report and related instructions. The "Changes to Note" section of the 2018 instructions highlights important modifications to the Form 5500 and Form 5500-SF, and their schedules and instructions. Modifications are as follows:

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant (NHE DWG) award to the California Department of Employment Development to provide employment services to eligible individuals in rural California counties impacted by the health and economic effects of widespread opioid use, addiction, and overdose.  

NEW FRANKEN, WI – Following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD), Anna's Healthcare Inc. will pay $113,701 in overtime back wages to 114 current and former employees at both of its Wisconsin residential healthcare facilities in New Franken and Sturgeon Bay. Violations of the overtime and recordkeeping requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) were identified.

MONTGOMERY, AL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Sabel Steel Service Inc. – based in Montgomery, Alabama – for exposing employees to amputation, fall, and other hazards at four of the company's facilities. The manufacturer faces $320,261 in penalties.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today announced the start of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). This year’s theme – Apprenticeships: Creating Tomorrow – celebrates the impact apprenticeship programs have in helping Americans learn skills for jobs in growing industries. NAW will continue through November 18.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today issued the following statement regarding Veterans Day:

DETROIT, MI – The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan has sentenced three defendants as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into a multi-year scheme in which Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC (FCA) executives made payoffs to senior United Auto Workers International Union (UAW) officials involved in collective bargaining agreements between the union and the company. 

ATLANTA, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Georgia have joined for a Winter Weather Safety Stand-Down scheduled to take place November 5-9, 2018, to stress the importance of working safely outdoors during the winter months.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Tom Krips Construction Inc. and Etherna Services Inc. after an employee suffered crushing injuries at a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, worksite.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that it has issued four new opinion letters that demonstrate its commitment to providing meaningful compliance assistance to help employees understand their rights and ensure employers have the tools they need to comply with federal labor law. The letters released today address compliance under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other laws.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced recipients of the 2018 HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration Award, recognizing job creators for their leadership in recruiting, employing, and retaining America's veterans. Honorees include small businesses, community-based nonprofits, and national companies.

WASHINGTON, DC – To make it easier for Americans to find and fill open jobs, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced a proposal for employers seeking temporary labor certifications through the H-2B and H-2A visa programs to advertise jobs online. 

In the week ending November 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 214,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 214,000 to 215,000. The 4-week moving average was 213,750, a decrease of 250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 213,750 to 214,000.

LAS VEGAS, NV – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited the United States Postal Service (USPS) $129,336 after investigators determined the employer failed to provide proper safety measures to a Las Vegas, Nevada, mail carrier hospitalized for heat exposure.

HARPERSVILLE, AL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Legend Directional Services LLC – based in Weatherford, Texas – for improper storage of compressed gases after an employee suffered fatal injuries in an explosion at the Harpersville Reinforcement Project in Harpersville, Alabama.

LANSDOWNE, PA – The U.S. Department of Labor has filed suit against Mosluoglu Inc. – operator of Empire Diner & Restaurant in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania – and its principals after an investigation found willful violations of the federal minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today invited public comment on a proposed exemption related to the consolidation of small retirement savings accounts in 401(k) plans and IRAs when workers change jobs. The Department welcomes innovation in the area of retirement asset portability, and encourages additional proposals.

LUBBOCK, TX – After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD), Llano Logistics Inc. – a distribution company based in Lubbock, Texas – has paid $244,208 in back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages to 629 employees to settle violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime and recordkeeping provisions.

UNION CITY, NJ – After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD), R&J Supermarket Corp. – based in Union City, New Jersey – will pay $175,442 in back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages to 20 employees for violations of overtime, minimum wage, and record keeping provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Department also assessed the employer with a $5,491 civil penalty for the willful nature of its violations.