New protections proposed for retirement savings

A long overdue update for retirement savings protections

Many Americans work for decades toward the promise of a well-earned retirement. A newly proposed rule would protect retirement savings from being jeopardized by harmful junk fees caused by increased costs and lost returns that can result from conflicts of interest.

Massachusetts plumbing supply company pays $3.2M in overtime back wages to escrow

More than 700 sales representatives who were misclassified as exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act stand to recover more than $3.2 million in back wages from the Massachusetts plumbing supply company that employed them, following a court order and consent judgment, which the employer has appealed. The back wages are being held in escrow and will be distributed to employees if the appeal is unsuccessful.

Tackling child labor with data

Tackling child labor is a challenge in every country, including our own, and having the right information is critical to meet this challenge. A landmark new survey of child labor in Mexico that we supported provides data to help target enforcement efforts and raise awareness in key sectors and communities.

Fiduciary to distribute plan assets

The retirement plan of a Michigan telemarketing company that went out of business in 2019 still has $781,000 in it. A judge-appointed fiduciary will help distribute the funds to plan participants.

Fulfilling our obligation to federal first responders

From law enforcement officers and wildland firefighters to disaster relief officials and public health workers, thousands of first responders serve our country in the federal workforce. Were making it quicker and simpler for injured federal workers to get the benefits theyre owed.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Hiring discrimination resolution

Boeing has agreed to pay $402,500 in back wages and interest to resolve allegations of race-based hiring discrimination.

Honoring nuclear workers

We recognize the sacrifices made by Americas nuclear weapons workers and their families, many of whom are eligible for benefits.

$391K in back wages

Two South Carolina supermarkets and one restaurant will pay $391,935 in back wages and damages after investigators found minimum wage and overtime violations.

Grocery cited after fatal fall

OSHA cited Kissimmee Meat & Produce Inc. for 11 serious violations after a 65-year-old clerk fatally fell from a defective ladder.

Protecting bargaining rights

The U.S. and Mexico have successfully resolved a petition alleging denials of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights at a Mexico City-based national cargo airline.

Mine inspections

Mine Safety and Health Administration inspections identified 123 violations at nine mines in seven states in September.

Unique partnerships

New International Union of Painters and Allied Trades programs improve job quality and create access to good jobs for workers who speak English as a second language.

Strengthening enforcement

OSHA and the National Labor Relations Board signed an agreement to better protect workers from retaliation who raise concerns about workplace violations.

Making the grade

The Labor Department was just one of three federal agencies to receive an overall 'A' grade on the latest federal IT scorecard.

POST OF THE WEEK

NEWS: We've proposed a rule that would help Americans save for a secure, dignified retirement.
Workers deserve to know that the investment savings they've worked hard to build little by little, paycheck by paycheck, aren't being eaten away by junk fees.
-@ActSecJulieSu

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