U.S. Department of Labor
January 15, 2021
Protecting American WorkersA 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 IssuedThe 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 StatementRead Secretary Eugene Scalia's
statement on the recent unemployment insurance claims.
New Unemployment BenefitsIf 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 RuleThe Department announced a final rule that modernizes and improves the
H-2A temporary agriculture program.
Rural HealthcareThe Department awarded
$40 million to reduce rural healthcare workforce shortages.
Mine Safety ReportThere were 29
mining fatalities in 2020, making it the sixth consecutive year that mining fatalities were below 30.
Missing Participant GuidanceNew guidance will help fiduciaries meet their obligations to locate and distribute retirement benefits to missing or nonresponsive plan participants.
Contractor Service ReportThe Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs recently published its
2020 Ombuds Service Annual Report.
Wages RestoredA
Florida-based federal security contractor has paid $141,047 in back wages to employees in Louisiana to resolve labor law violations.
Disability InclusionThe 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 TutorialsCheck out this
collection of short videos on commonly asked questions about the Fair Labor Standards Act.
