U.S. Department of Labor,update

U.S. Department of Labor September 4, 2020 +1.4 Million Jobs 1.4 million jobs were added to the U.S. economy in August, according to data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate dropped to 8.4%, beating expectations. Secretary Scalia Visits Michigan and Illinois Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Michigan and Illinois this week, where he highlighted economic recovery, the strength of the U.S. manufacturing sector, and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. New Opinion Letters The Department issued four new Wage and Hour Division compliance assistance letters addressing issues related to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Fighting Fraud The Department is providing $100 million and new guidance to help states combat unemployment insurance fraud. COVID-19 UPDATES AND RESOURCES PSAs: The Department announced new video PSAs discussing how many workers can take up to two weeks of paid sick leave related to the coronavirus under a new law English – 60 seconds English – 30 seconds Spanish – 60 seconds Spanish – 30 seconds Poster: OSHA released guidance to help keep fish and seafood processing and packaging workers safe from the coronavirus Webinar: The Department held a webinar for Ohio area employers and human resources professionals on the paid leave requirements and safety guidance related to the coronavirus Release: A Minneapolis day care has paid 28 workers back wages after denying paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Release: An Oklahoma restaurant has paid back wages after denying paid sick leave to an employee advised to self-quarantine by a medical provider IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Proxy Voting Proposal A new proposed rule clarifies fiduciary duties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act for proxy voting and monitoring proxy advisory firms. Hurricane Cleanup OSHA is urging response crews and residents to be aware of hazards as they recover from Hurricane Laura. Coronavirus Grants The Department awarded $13.5 million in grants to New York and Virginia to support workers whose employment has been impacted by the coronavirus. Employment Service Grants The Department has awarded $646 million in state grants to provide career services to job seekers and help businesses meet their hiring needs by referring qualified workers. Beryllium Final Rule OSHA published a final rule revising the beryllium standards for construction and shipyards, clarifying the standards to improve compliance. Back Wages Three Florida dialysis service companies will pay 34 workers $110,819 in back wages for overtime and recordkeeping violations. Supporting Mental Health The Office of Disability Employment Policy teamed up with PBATS on a new public service announcement about the importance of mental-health friendly workplaces. STAT OF THE WEEK +10.6 Million Jobs Since Reopening Started The U.S. economy added 10.6 million jobs since the economy started to reopen, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics today. COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHT Disaster Recovery Assistance Following Hurricane Laura, employers and workers can find answers to employment and wage questions under federal law from the Wage and Hour Division, or call 1-866-487-9243 for help.