U.S. Department of Labor,updates

U.S. Department of Labor
January 15, 2021

Protecting American Workers

A final rule aims to protect the wages and job opportunities of American workers by reforming the minimum prevailing wages for permanent employment certification, H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa foreign worker programs.

New Opinion Letters Issued

The Department of Labor issued five new opinion letters providing compliance assistance related to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Two opinion letters issued Jan. 8
Three opinion letters issued Jan. 15

Unemployment Insurance Statement

Read Secretary Eugene Scalia's statement on the recent unemployment insurance claims.


New Unemployment Benefits

If you’re out of work or your hours are reduced for reasons related to COVID-19, check out our blog on common questions about the extension of unemployment insurance benefits.

COVID-19 UPDATES AND RESOURCES
Release: A California manufacturer has paid back wages and reinstated two employees wrongfully terminated after requesting coronavirus-related leave.
Release: A California produce company has paid $6,000 in back wages to five employees wrongly denied paid sick leave after receiving a coronavirus diagnosis.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT



Farmworker Rule

The Department announced a final rule that modernizes and improves the H-2A temporary agriculture program.



Rural Healthcare

The Department awarded $40 million to reduce rural healthcare workforce shortages.



Mine Safety Report

There were 29 mining fatalities in 2020, making it the sixth consecutive year that mining fatalities were below 30.


Missing Participant Guidance

New guidance will help fiduciaries meet their obligations to locate and distribute retirement benefits to missing or nonresponsive plan participants.



Contractor Service Report

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs recently published its 2020 Ombuds Service Annual Report.

Wages Restored

A Florida-based federal security contractor has paid $141,047 in back wages to employees in Louisiana to resolve labor law violations.



Disability Inclusion

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs released the inaugural annual report detailing the agency’s efforts to promote the inclusion of people with a disability in federal contractor workforces.

COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHT


FLSA Video Tutorials

Check out this collection of short videos on commonly asked questions about the Fair Labor Standards Act.