August 9, 2007

U.S. Labor Department offers free COBRA/HIPAA employer compliance workshop in Miami

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

August 9, 2007

U.S. Labor Department publishes civil penalty rules under Pension Protection Act

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

August 8, 2007

U.S. Department of Labor publishes rule governingfederal contractors obligations to veterans

Rule expands veteran coverage and changes mandatory listing requirement

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) today published regulations that implement changes to the nondiscrimination and affirmative action obligations of federal contractors and subcontractors with respect to protected veterans.

August 8, 2007

U.S. Labor Department sues Pittsburgh, Texas-based
Pilgrims Pride Corp. to recover more than $3 million in back wages

DALLAS The U.S. Department of Labor today filed a lawsuit against Pilgrim's Pride Corp. in Dallas to recover back wages estimated to exceed $3 million for more than 500 former and current workers engaged in poultry processing work. The complaint was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

August 7, 2007

Five Long Island restaurants ordered to pay more than $980,000 to resolve U.S. Labor Department lawsuits alleging federal wage and hour law violations

WESTBURY, N.Y.Five commonly operated restaurants located throughout Long Island, N.Y., and seven officers of the companies have been ordered to pay 192 employees a total of $966,046 in overtime back wages, and to pay the U.S. Department of Labor civil money penalties totaling $14,773 to resolve lawsuits filed by the department alleging violations of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

August 7, 2007

U.S. Department of Labors Office of Labor-Management Standards reports four indictments, six convictions during July for union funds embezzlement

Court-ordered restitution from enforcement actions exceeds $101 million since 2001

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) today announced its criminal enforcement data for July 2007. During July, OLMS obtained four indictments and six convictions, for a total of 73 indictments and 100 convictions during fiscal year 2007 to date. These indictments and convictions primarily involve union officers and employees who have embezzled union funds.

August 6, 2007

U.S. Labor Department sues officers of Port Huron, Michigan, business to recover contributions to company 401(k) plan

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

July 31, 2007

U.S. Labor Department marks sixth anniversary of energy workers compensation program

$3 billion to 32,000 workers and survivors

WASHINGTONToday marks the sixth anniversary of the U.S. Department of Labor's administration of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. The department has administered Part B of the program since its inception in July 2001 and was charged with implementation of Part E in October 2004 as part of an amendment to the energy program.

July 26, 2007

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao recognizes 17th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

WASHINGTON — Marking the 17th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) will make available a new video on how small businesses can save time and money, and increase productivity, by recruiting, hiring and advancing employees with disabilities.

July 26, 2007

U.S. Labor Department solicits nominations for 2008 ERISA Advisory Council

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

July 26, 2007

U.S. Labor Department obtains appointment of independent fiduciary for abandoned Mineola, N.Y., 401(k) plan

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

July 25, 2007

U.S. Department of Labor recovers $976,327 due 904 employees of Colorado-based Ball Aerospace and Technologies Inc.

Includes facilities in Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Georgia and D.C.

DENVERThe U.S. Department of Labor today announced an agreement with Ball Aerospace and Technologies Inc., a Broomfield, Colo.-based aerospace defense contractor, to pay $976,327 in back wages to 904 employees at Ball facilities in Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Georgia and the District of Columbia.

July 24, 2007

Employee Benefits Security Administration releases field assistance bulletin on tax sheltered annuity programs

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

July 23, 2007

Minimum wage will increase to $5.85 on July 24

U.S. Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division posts compliance materials on Web site

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor reminds employers and employees that the federal minimum wage will increase to $5.85 on July 24. With this change, workers covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be entitled to be paid no less than $5.85 per hour. The law also requires that workers be paid on their regular paydays for all hours worked during a pay period.

July 19, 2007

U.S. Labor Department obtains judgment restoring $300,000 to Buffalo pension plans

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

July 19, 2007

U.S. Labor Department action restores funds to San Luis Obispo 401(k) fund

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

July 18, 2007

Statement by U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao on House of Representatives vote to cut budget of agency responsible for labor union oversight

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the following statement:

"Last night's House action cutting the budget of the Office of Labor Management Standards will impede effective enforcement of the law that protects union democracy and financial integrity for rank and file members."

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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

July 18, 2007

DisabilityInfo.Gov introduces new state and local resources map to assist visitors in locating disability-related information close to home

WASHINGTON — The federal government's one-stop Web site for disability-related information and resources — DisabilityInfo.gov — today unveiled a new feature, a state and local resources map, designed to assist visitors in finding disability-related information in their own states and localities.