Record low state unemployment in 13 states, cutting billions in red tape, job openings increase, and more

Regulatory Innovation

U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia attended the Governors Initiative on Regulatory Innovation at the White House this week. While there, he highlighted how the Administration has cut more than $50 billion in red tape. In fiscal year 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor eliminated $8 billion in regulatory costs, the second-highest among federal government agencies.

Job Openings Increase

Job openings increased 235,000 to 7.3 million at the end of October, making it the 20th straight month in which job openings outnumbered job seekers, according to data released this week by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Fighting Fraud

In a Government Executive op-ed, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella outlines how the Department is using suspension and debarment to protect government programs from fraud.

Record Low State Unemployment

The unemployment rate is at record lows in 13 states, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics today. New series lows were set in Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, and South Carolina. Series lows were matched in California, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

In Case You Missed It

YouthBuild Grants

Sixty-seven organizations in 28 states received $85 million in grants to help at-risk youth learn skills for careers in construction and other in-demand industries.

Union Transparency

A proposed rule would protect workers rights by increasing financial transparency and democratic procedures for unions.

WV Storm Grants

An additional $866,675 in grants will help fund West Virginia recovery efforts in response to severe storms and flooding in 2018.

Visa Enforcement

A Wage and Hour Division investigation found a Florida agricultural employer violated guest worker visa program requirements.

Fall Hazards

OSHA cited a Florida contractor after finding it exposed workers to fall hazards at two worksites, and proposed $146,280 in penalties.

Overtime Wages

The American Samoa Power Authority will pay $110,865 to 180 workers after department investigators found overtime violations.

Stat of the Week

662,000+ Apprentices

There have been more than 662,000 new apprentices in the United States since January 1, 2017.

Compliance Assistance Highlight

Winter Is Here

December 21 may be the first day of winter, but in many states winter weather has already arrived. OSHAs Winter Weather page has resources to help employers and workers prepare for, recognize, and avoid common winter hazards.