Protecting the jobs and wages of America’s workers, Secretary Scalia in Florida, National Apprenticeship Week dates announced, and more

Protecting the Jobs and Wages of America’s Workers

Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia and Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf discussed an interim final rule that aims to protect the wages and jobs of American workers by reforming the prevailing wage rules for temporary foreign worker programs.

Secretary Scalia in Florida

Secretary Scalia met with students and education, workforce and community leaders in Florida this week. In Miami, he participated in a roundtable conversation, discussing Administration efforts to prepare American workers for healthcare careers.

National Apprenticeship Week Dates Announced

The Department is recognizing National Apprenticeship Week Nov. 8-14, 2020. National Apprenticeship Week is an annual event recognizing the value that apprenticeship offers employers, career seekers, and the communities.

COVID-19 UPDATES AND RESOURCES

• Guidance: OSHA issued guidance on using tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators.
• Guidance: OSHA issued guidance on keeping cleaning staff safe.
  • Cleaning staff guidance in Spanish
• Guidance: OSHA issued guidance on keeping in-home repair service workers safe.
  • In-home repair guidance in Spanish
• Guidance: OSHA issued guidance on keeping dine-in restaurant staff safe.
  • Dine-in restaurants guidance in Spanish
• Release: OSHA has cited 37 establishments for coronavirus-related violations this year.
• Release: An Ohio manufacturer paid back wages after wrongly denying paid sick leave to an employee with COVID-19.
• Release: A Georgia home security company paid back wages to an employee wrongly denied paid sick leave to an employee diagnosed with COVID-19.
• Release: A Florida-based landscaping company has paid back wages after wrongly denying paid sick leave to a quarantined employee.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Combatting Forced Labor

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs added five goods produced in China to its 2020 List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor.

Funds Restored

The Department obtained a consent order and judgment to restore $6,545,454 to a union’s short term disability fund.

Back Wages

A Kansas healthcare staffing company paid more than $3 million in back wages to 1,677 workers hired to conduct coronavirus testing in Florida.

Theft Sentence

A Kentucky business owner must serve 36 months in prison with 36 months of supervised release and pay $640,638 in restitution for improperly using benefit plan contributions.

Opioid Progress

The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs has reduced reliance on opioids to treat injured federal workers.

Retirement Savings

October is National Retirement Security Month – a great time to secure your retirement savings.

Accessible Technology Forum

A virtual discussion on Oct. 20 will focus on the benefits of accessible technology in the workplace.

Conciliation Agreement

To resolve allegations of compensation discrimination, Princeton University has agreed to pay $925,000 in back pay and at least $250,000 in future salary adjustments.

COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHT

Work and Family

During National Work and Family Month, discover Wage and Hour Division resources that can help you succeed on the job and care for your family.