U.S. Department of Labor | January 8, 2021 |
Unemployment Down 8.1% Since April The unemployment rate was 6.7% in December a decline of 8.1% since April according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today. Payroll employment has increased by 12.3 million since the economy began to reopen. |
Independent Contractor Rule Announced The Department announced a final rule clarifying independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act for employers, workers and independent contractors. Secretary Eugene Scalias Fox Business Op-Ed |
$3,930,381 Million in Coronavirus Citations Through Dec. 31, OSHA issued citations for coronavirus-related violations arising from 300 inspections, with penalties totaling $3,930,381. |
COVID-19 UPDATES AND RESOURCES |
Videos: OSHA guidance for workers in English and Spanish on staying safe during the pandemic. Videos: OSHA guidance for employers in English and Spanish on keeping workers safe from the coronavirus. Guidance: The Employment and Training Administration provided guidance to states on implementing the extension of CARES Act unemployment insurance programs. Guidance: The Wage and Hour Division published guidance on the Dec. 31 expiration of paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for coronavirus-related reasons. Guidance: The Wage and Hour Division issued compliance assistance resources supporting workplace flexibilities through virtual communication. |
| #EndTrafficking During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to end human trafficking and all forms of forced labor. | |
| Opinion Letters Two new opinion letters provide compliance assistance on overtime pay and compensable travel time. | |
| Tips Rule The Department issued a new final rule amending tipped employee regulations to protect the tips of employees. | |
| Reentry Grants The Department is making $3.3 million available in grants to support the reentry of justice-involved individuals to the workforce and expand the Federal Bonding Program. | |
| Debt Collection Initiative Under a new initiative, OSHA will increase efforts to collect unpaid penalties and place establishments with unpaid debts on a priority list for further inspection. | |
| California Wildfires In response to the 2020 California wildfires, the Department will provide up to $25.1 million to create disaster-relief jobs. | |
COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHT |
OLMS Annual Report The Office of Labor-Management Standards released its 2020 Annual Report on the agencys performance and program activities. |
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