UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR update

U.S. Department of Labor June 5, 2020 2.5 Million More Jobs in May Payroll employment increased by more than 2.5 million in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ jobs report released today. Supporting Small Business Employers U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia joined President Trump and Vice President Pence for a bill signing that increases flexibilities for small businesses using the Paycheck Protection Program. #WB100 The Women’s Bureau was created 100 years ago today, on June 5, 1920, to promote the welfare of wage-earning women, improve working conditions, increase efficiency, and advance opportunities for women to access profitable employment. Reopening Safely In North Carolina this week, Secretary Scalia joined business leaders for a roundtable discussion on reopening the economy safely. Secretary Scalia also toured a local Lowe’s store, met with workers, and discussed the reopening process with Lowe’s leaders. Coronavirus Test Costs If your healthcare provider recommends a COVID-19 test, you can get diagnosed without a copay, coinsurance, or deductible charge. COVID-19 UPDATES AND RESOURCES Release: OSHA guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers Release: OSHA guidance for farmworkers Website: All Department of Labor coronavirus resources IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Coronavirus Leave A Minnesota city has paid $1,696 in back wages to an employee wrongly denied paid sick leave after her healthcare provider recommended a quarantine for coronavirus-related reasons. Veterans’ Employment Challenge As part of the Veterans’ Employment Challenge, three finalists have been selected to build an application that will better match transitioning service members’ skills with employers’ needs. Private Equity Investments The Department issued guidance on private equity investments in professionally managed asset allocation funds as an investment option for defined contribution plan participants. Wages Recovered An Iowa restaurant has paid $3,059 in back wages after failing to pay 14 workers for payroll earned before the restaurant closed due to the pandemic. Safety Citation OSHA has cited two New Jersey construction companies for exposing workers to safety hazards, and proposed $148,264 in penalties. Debt Management Secretary Scalia signed an order on debt management to improve accountability and payments to workers who are owed money. Legal Achievement Award Associate Regional Solicitor Samantha Thomas received an award for leading the Blackjewel litigation team in recovering $5,867,536 in back wages for mine workers in four states. COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHT Federal Contractor Guidance The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has tools and guides to help federal contractors.