U.S. Department of Labor:update

U.S. Department of Labor September 25, 2020 Independent Contractor Rule A new proposed rule would clarify employee and independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Secretary Scalia Visits Wisconsin Manufacturer Secretary Scalia joined Vice President Mike Pence and Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to visit a manufacturer and discussed how President Trump’s pro-jobs policies helped grow manufacturing, increase paychecks and expand payrolls. Major Apprenticeship Expansion Milestone The first 18 Standards Recognition Entities (SREs) for Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs mark a milestone in efforts to expand apprenticeship to more industries and workers. In Virginia this week, Secretary Scalia recognized the first group of SREs during a virtual roundtable at the headquarters of the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. Secretary Scalia Discusses Apprenticeship in North Carolina Secretary Scalia visited North Carolina this week, where he discussed manufacturing growth, apprenticeship expansion and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Investing in Workforce Skills The Department is making $150 million available through the H-1B One Workforce Grant Program to invest in workforce training for key U.S. employment sectors, including information technology, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and transportation. Supporting Hurricane Recovery To support Hurricane Laura response efforts, the Department will provide $2.5 million in disaster recovery funding for Texas and $8 million for Louisiana. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Veterans’ Employment Software solution provider Eightfold.ai has received the grand prize of the Veterans’ Employment Challenge to build an application to better match transitioning military service members’ skills with employer needs. Farm Safety and Health Farm Safety and Health Week, observed every year during the third week of September, provides an opportunity to reflect on practices to keep agricultural workers safe and healthy all year round. Hurricane Cleanup Safety OSHA urged response crews and residents in areas affected by Hurricane Sally to be aware of hazards created by flooding, power loss, structural damage, fallen trees and storm debris. Wages Restored After a Department investigation, an Iowa manufacturer agreed to pay 150 workers $279,505 in back wages. Coronavirus Paid Leave An Alabama franchisee has paid back wages to seven workers after denying them coronavirus-related paid sick leave. Discrimination Resolution The Department has entered an agreement with Microsoft Corp. to resolve alleged hiring discrimination affecting 1,229 applicants in Massachusetts, New York, Texas and Washington. COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHT Safety Planning As National Preparedness Month draws to a close, OSHA reminds employers that planning for emergencies can help keep workers safe.