In the week ending June 2, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 222,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 221,000 to 223,000. The 4-week moving average was 225,500, an increase of 2,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 500 from 222,250 to 222,750.

ATLANTA, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is currently engaged in an education and enforcement initiative to educate industry stakeholders, employers, and employees in the Southeast’s agricultural industry about federal wage laws, and to provide compliance assistance to employers. The initiative includes educational outreach events and investigations of employers.

WASHINGTON, DC – For the first time on record, the number of American job openings exceeds the number of job seekers – providing the latest indicator of continued job growth and economic strength under President Donald J. Trump.

SEATTLE, WA – Mt. Baker Roofing has paid a total of $63,486 to a former employee after a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD) investigation found that the employer violated requirements of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and interfered with the employee’s ability to exercise his rights under that law. Mt. Baker Roofing paid $31,743 for lost wages and increased medical expenses incurred by the employee due to the loss of health benefits upon termination of employment, and also paid the employee an additional $31,743 in liquidated damages.

GRANT, MI – Michigan roofing and siding contractor American Classic Construction Inc. will pay $310,000 in back overtime wages and liquidated damages to 74 employees following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) in Grand Rapids that found the employer had violated overtime and recordkeeping requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  

PHILADELPHIA, PA – In an effort to help establish prevailing wage rates, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is conducting a survey of heavy construction projects in Virginia to collect data on wages paid to workers, as required under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts.

The survey includes wages paid on all heavy construction projects that occurred in Virginia between March 1, 2017, and February 28, 2018. The survey is not limited to federally funded construction projects.

CONCORD, NH – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited EWP Renewable Corp., doing business as Springfield Power LLC, for 25 safety violations after an employee suffered fatal injuries after he was pulled into a conveyor at the company’s Springfield plant in November 2017. The Mount Laurel, New Jersey, company faces $125,460 in proposed penalties.

BOSTON, MA – After multiple investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit ordered a Maine roofing contractor who has operated as Lessard Roofing & Siding Inc. and Lessard Brothers Construction Inc. to implement a comprehensive safety and training program after receiving repeated citations for exposing workers to falls.

SEATTLE, WA – Ecos Homecare Inc., owners of three Washington State residential home-care facilities, will pay $213,461 to 26 employees after a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD) investigation found overtime and recordkeeping violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement regarding the May 2018 Employment Situation report:

“With the unemployment rate falling to 3.8% in May, the lowest in over 18 years, America’s job market remains strong. The unemployment rates for African-Americans and Asian-Americans reached record lows. Adult women and adult men recorded the lowest unemployment rates since 2000, at 3.3% and 3.5% respectively.

In the week ending May 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 221,000, a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 234,000. The 4-week moving average was 222,250, an increase of 2,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 219,750.

Read the full release.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The U.S. Department of Labor has filed a federal lawsuit seeking an injunction and payment of $131,508 – representing $65,754 in overtime back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages – for 25 employees of a Minneapolis flooring company.

KANSAS CITY, MO – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association Kansas City Chapter (SMACNA-KC) have signed an alliance to protect sheet metal and air conditioning employees from industry-specific hazards.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Bay Area Underpinning Inc., a Northern California foundation repair company, will pay $62,672 to 16 employees after a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD) investigation found overtime and recordkeeping violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

WASHINGTON, DC – During tours today in Maine of the Penobscot Job Corps Center and the Cianbro Institute, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) highlighted the importance of ensuring all Americans have the skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow. With Maine’s unemployment rate holding at a record low for two straight months, Secretary Acosta and Senator Collins focused on the importance of ensuring that workforce education programs meet the needs of job creators and job seekers.

GLASGOW, KY – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has debarred Christopher Lee Smith – owner of Christopher Lee Smith Farms in Glasgow – from applying for certification to request temporary foreign workers under the H-2A agricultural worker visa program for three years. WHD also assessed the employer a $35,755 civil penalty for violating the labor provisions of the H-2A program, and found that Smith owed $58,820 in back wages to 14 employees.

WICHITA, KS ‒ The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Wichita roofing contractor Jose Barrientos for exposing employees to falls and other safety hazards. Barrientos faces proposed penalties totaling $191,071 for two willful and six serious violations.

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

“On Memorial Day, Americans keep a promise to forever honor the courage, bravery, and patriotism of America’s fallen heroes. Through solemn observances and in quiet moments, we honor the proud men and women of America’s armed services who gave their lives to defend our nation. We are forever grateful for their selfless sacrifice. Because of their heroic service, we are able to live in freedom.”

MARATHON, FL – Marathon Paradise Inc., which operates a seafood restaurant based in Marathon, Florida, will pay $210,258 in back wages to 78 employees after a U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) investigation found the employer violated overtime and recordkeeping requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

WASHINGTON, DC – When President Trump addressed the American Farm Bureau Federation in January of this year, he reminded the audience that his commitment to our farmers has been clear since the day his Administration began:  “From that day on, we have been working every day to deliver for America’s farmers just as they work every single day to deliver for us.”