In Mississippi, Su touts efforts to reach workers in every community

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker visited Mississippi this week to highlight the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to keep workers safe in every community in the nation. In conversations with workers and their representatives, Su and Parker heard about workplace challenges, organizing efforts, and how workers are advocating to improve their working conditions.

The kids are all right: Cultivating possibilities at the White House Youth Policy Summit

The White House Youth Policy Summit convened nearly 90 young people and policymakers from around the country this week to discuss systemic and policy solutions to help America’s youth thrive. In a fireside chat-style conversation, Acting Secretary Su spoke with Jaime Jimenez and Genisus Holland, two extraordinary young people, about creating pathways to good jobs for the next generation of workers.

• Learn about our Youth Employment Works strategy
• Read about the Youth Policy Summit

Equity Action Plan updates underscore administration’s commitment to economic justice

We released an updated Equity Action Plan to support the Biden-Harris administration’s advancement of racial equity. “When underserved individuals and communities have access and pathways to good jobs, it boosts productivity, innovation and economic well-being for everyone. We will continue to use all of our available resources to expand our economy while promoting the economic and social well-being of all workers,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su.

GE contract compliance review leads to back pay and job offers

To resolve allegations of gender-based hiring discrimination, GE Aerospace has agreed to pay $443,000 to 116 women who applied for manufacturing operations associate positions in Vermont, and to extend 14 job offers to affected women.

Construction contractor cited five times for fall hazards

A New Jersey contractor’s ongoing disregard for safety laws has led to $1,017,248 in penalties. OSHA also added Adrian Construction Group LLC to the Severe Violator Enforcement Program after inspectors found workers exposed to fall hazards for the fifth time since 2016.

$52 million in grants available

We’ve announced $52 million in grant funding for organizations that provide reentry services to incarcerated individuals before release from state correctional facilities or county or local jails.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

🍕💸 Wages recovered

We recovered $540,202 for 367 workers after a pizza chain’s managers illegally participated in tip pools and allowed a 17-year-old to drive a motor vehicle.

Migrant workers’ rights

With 169 million migrant workers across the globe, making up nearly 5% of the workforce worldwide, we need sensible, sustainable, rights-based policies.

Hospitality industry webinar

Register to join us for a free online seminar Feb. 22 on the rights and responsibilities of hospitality industry workers and employers.

Partnership success

BuildRI is a small but mighty labor-management partnership that has been building trust and good jobs in the construction industry for 20 years. Find out the key to their success.

IT modernization

The FITARA scorecard, which measures federal technology modernization efforts, has been updated with new metrics that show where we excel and some areas for improvement.

DATA SPOTLIGHT

Over $1.4 billion recovered in FY 2023 for America’s workers

We recovered more than $1.4 billion in direct payment to plans, participants and beneficiaries in FY 2023. Learn more about how our Employee Benefits Security Administration demonstrates a strong, fair and effective program in an overview of its enforcement activities.

POST OF THE WEEK

As we all watch the #SuperBowl today, let's pause to appreciate the workers behind the scenes who will make the game happen.
-@ActSecJulieSu

IN THE NEWS

• Investment News: DOL secures court order against retirement plan administrator accused of stealing millions
• WMAR: Maryland workers owed over $6 million in back pay; thousands due unclaimed funds
• CBS 4 Local: U.S. Department of Labor seeks to return over $300,000 in back wages to Texas workers
• Fox Business: Michigan Popeyes cited violating child labor laws teens working school hours