United States Department of Labor:Economic growth, expanding apprenticeships, worker safety and more

 

As the economy added 266,000 jobs in April, Secretary Walsh highlighted how the administration is getting Americans back to work. U.S. Department of Labor May 7, 2021 Economic recovery continues with 266,000 new jobs The economy added 266,000 jobs in April, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 6.1%. Labor force participation was at its highest point since August 2020, and hesitancy about returning to work due to the coronavirus was at its lowest point since the pandemic began. Read the Bureau of Labor Statistics report Read Secretary Walsh’s statement Read Chief Economist Janelle Jones’ blog post Secretary Walsh discusses apprenticeships and jobs training programs Secretary Walsh and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo joined federal, state and local officials at the General Dynamics Electric Boat site in Connecticut and participated in a virtual roundtable, discussing apprenticeships, jobs training programs and the American Jobs Plan. Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship Our Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship will focus on expanding apprenticeships in fast-growing industries like clean energy, technology and health care to create more high-quality training and employment opportunities. Secretary Walsh and Second Gentleman Emhoff on strengthening the economy With Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Rep. Steve Cohen, Secretary Walsh toured a Tennessee Job Corps Center and discussed how the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan will build a more inclusive economy and support families. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Rule withdrawn We have withdrawn the Independent Contractor Rule in order to maintain workers’ rights to the minimum wage and overtime compensation protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act. New courses for military spouses We launched a new series of short, engaging virtual workshops to help military spouses with their job searches. #StandDown4Safety OSHA led the National Safety Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction this week to spread awareness of the dangers of falls and how to prevent them. UI guidance We issued guidance to states to permit greater flexibility for waiving the recovery of some unemployment insurance overpayments. Safety finding A federal judge found that a Florida behavioral health care center and its management company exposed workers to more than 50 attacks by residents and destroyed video evidence. IN THE NEWS AP: Walsh, Raimondo push apprentice programs at submarine maker Commercial Appeal: Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh visit Memphis CNBC: Labor Secretary Says Pandemic Is Still Weighing on Economy but Confidence Is Coming Back UPCOMING EVENTS Essential Workers – Essential Protections: Webinar for Union Members and Representatives May 11, 10 a.m. ET Mastering Resume Essentials May 11, 10 a.m. ET Navigating Compliance: FLSA for Logistics Industry Employers May 11, 2 p.m. ET What to Expect During a Compliance Review May 12, 10 a.m. ET HBCU Female Veterans – Tips and Opportunities for Success May 13, 1 p.m. ET Find a complete list of upcoming events at dol.gov/events. U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20210 www.dol.gov | 1-866-4USADOL (1-866-487-2365)