Back wages, economic growth and a second chance success

Economic growth continues with 236K new jobs

The economy added 236,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate remained near its historic low at 3.5%. With 12.6 million jobs added since President Biden took office and more Americans entering the labor force, this report indicates that the economy is continuing to provide steady, stable job growth that benefits working families.

Back wages available for nearly 2,900 bird flu outbreak response workers

Weve recovered $1.7 million for nearly 2,900 workers employed by 145 subcontractors of Clean Harbors Environmental Services in 2015. Now were trying to locate those workers, who were employed (mainly in Iowa) to euthanize birds and dispose of their carcasses during the 2015 avian flu outbreak.

Funding will help support cleanup and recovery following severe California storms

Weve awarded $7,469,452 to support cleanup and recovery activities after severe winter storms caused flooding and extensive damage in California.

Dollar General disregards dangers yet again, adding to $15M in fines amassed since 2017

Once again, OSHA investigators have found Dollar General exposing workers to dangerous safety hazards, including blocked emergency exit routes and electrical panels, this time in Pennsylvania. They proposed $245,544 in fines, adding to the $15 million the company has been fined for similar violations since 2017.

Still time to apply for a HIRE Vets Medallion Award

The deadline to apply for a 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award is April 30. The award recognizes employers that meet standards for excellence in recruiting, hiring and retaining Americas military veterans.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Severe violator fined again

OSHA has cited an Ohio food processor for 17 violations and fined them $1.9 million after a worker was critically injured on the job, requiring a leg amputation.

Trench and excavation safety

OSHA is educating employers, workers, state agencies and industry associations in the Midwest on how to avoid injuries and fatalities in trenching and excavation.

Second chance success

Our Pathway Home grant helped jump-start Hakims career. Read his story and learn more about the program that gave him an exciting second chance.

Construction contract webinar

Were teaming up with several agencies for a virtual forum on construction and federal contracting.

Questionable hospitality

A Tennessee hotel operator must pay back wages and damages for minimum wage and overtime violations. Investigators also found two minors under the age of 12 employed there.

Know the law: child labor

Weve assessed Southeast employers more than $2.8 million in child labor penalties in recent years. A free webinar will focus on protecting young workers as summer hiring picks up.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

Happy birthday to Frances Perkins! As the first female Cabinet secretary and longest serving labor secretary, she was instrumental in the drafting of the New Deal, helped thousands of refugees flee Nazi persecution, and was a lifelong advocate for workers rights and dignity.

-@USDOL

IN THE NEWS