U.S. Department of Labor:Meeting Workers Where They Are

 

Secretary Walsh met with workers in 60 cities this year to discuss their hopes and struggles, and how we can support them. U.S. Department of Labor December 23, 2021 Meeting workers where they are In his first year as Secretary of Labor, Marty Walsh has visited 60 cities in 30 states, and heard directly from workers about their hopes, their struggles, and how the Biden-Harris administration can continue supporting them. Read highlights from his trips and how he plans to support the administration’s investment in America’s communities. $8 million to expand apprenticeship in sectors affected by the pandemic Four national Industry Intermediaries will receive more than $8 million to expand Registered Apprenticeship models in the care economy and supply chain sectors. “These contract awards will leverage industry expertise, increase Registered Apprenticeship opportunities and provide the talented workforce our economy demands,” said Secretary Walsh. Grants will improve working conditions for U.S. trade partners We awarded more than $30 million in grants to improve conditions for workers employed in nations that trade with the United States, including projects to improve workplace safety and health in Central America, reduce forced labor and child labor in Malaysia, and combat workplace discrimination in Mexico. Seeking telecommunications expertise Do you know someone with insights into the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry? Nominate them for the Telecommunications Interagency Working Group. Storm recovery grants will help Kentucky after deadly tornadoes We’re providing more than $8.3 million to support disaster-relief employment in Kentucky after a series of deadly tornadoes on Dec. 10 caused extensive damage. Reopening the record for mine safety rule We will reopen the rulemaking record and hold a virtual public hearing on Jan. 11, 2022, on a proposed rule on safely using mobile, powered-haulage equipment in mining. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Auto worker webinar We recovered more than $4.3 million for 3,564 underpaid auto workers in FY 2021. Join a webinar for auto care workers and employers on wage protections Jan. 13, 2022. Fall safety citations An OSHA investigation found that two roofing contractors willfully failed to use fall protections that led to a 19-year-old worker’s deadly fall. Wages restored A Massachusetts contractor with a history of Fair Labor Standards Act violations must pay $438,000 in unpaid overtime to 250 employees. Labor apps We’ve got apps to help you track your work hours, explore new jobs, stay safe in the heat and more. Overtime judgment A federal investigation and consent judgment has recovered $170,000 in back wages and liquidated damages from the operator of two Texas restaurants that denied overtime to 17 kitchen workers.