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DOL News Brief November 19, 2009
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What's Hot: Green Jobs! DOL Announces $55 Million in Green Job Grants
Women's Bureau Sponsors 'G.R.O.W' Workshop Today the Department’s Women’s Bureau co-sponsored a workshop, “Green Resources and Opportunities for Women” (G.R.O.W) in Atlanta, Ga. to ensure women are made aware of the opportunities available to them during the ‘greening’ of the American economy. Representatives from several government agencies and private industries shared information about emerging “green” careers, jobs and contract opportunities. Greening of Registered Apprenticeship The Department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) released a report that highlights the role of the Registered Apprenticeship system in preparing the U.S. workforce for the demands of a green economy. The report, "The Greening of Registered Apprenticeship: An Environmental Scan of the Impact of Green Jobs on Registered Apprenticeship and Implications for Workforce Development," details the trends and activities of key industries at the forefront of energy efficiency and more environmentally and ecologically sound operations. | |
DOL In Action Department to Recover $1.5 Million for Airport Workers "Government contractors need to know that agreements made on behalf of working Americans must be honored or the Labor Department will take appropriate legal action," said Secretary Solis upon the Department's filing of a legal complaint for violations to the prevailing wage and fringe benefits provisions of the Service Contract Act (SCA). An investigation by the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division revealed that at least 120 employees of Total Enterprises Inc. — shuttle bus drivers, parking lot attendants and bus dispatchers under contract with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — are owed in excess of $1.5 million in back wages and benefits and liability continues to accrue. OSHA Issues Final Rule on Acetylene Standard The Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its acetylene standard with a final rule reflecting current industry practices. The revised standard requires that in-plant transfer, handling, storage and use of acetylene cylinders comply with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-1-2003, titled "Acetylene." The revised standard also addresses provisions for piping systems, as well as acetylene generators and filling acetylene cylinders. Guidelines to Protect Retail Workers on "Black Friday" As the holiday shopping season begins, OSHA has released crowd control guidelines for retailers to protect workers. The fact sheet provides employers with recommended elements for crowd control plans, having trained security personnel or police officers on site, setting up barricades or rope lines in advance of customers arriving at the store, and preparing an emergency plan that addresses potential dangers. Alarming GAO Report on Workplace Injuries and Illnesses OSHA implemented a National Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping in response to under-reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses — and a report released by the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) this week underscores the importance of this initiative. The report identifies worker intimidation and a number of disincentives that may discourage workers and employers from reporting work-related injuries and illnesses, as well as suggestions for improving the audits that OSHA conducts to ensure accurate records. | |
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Around DOL
DVOR Goes Beyond Duty’s Call to Help Veteran When a friend informed John Reed, a retired Army Major and Disabled Veterans Outreach Representative (DVOR) in Gadsden, Ala., that a poor and disabled Vietnam veteran was facing a life-threatening illness, he swung into action. Reed, who’s One-Stop Career Center receives funds through DOL's Veterans' Employment and Training Services, arranged for the vet to receive home-health assistance, as well as transportation to and from medical treatment. That quick action, medical officials said, probably saved the vet’s life. (More...) | |
Spotlight on States: Ohio and Texas $4,440,000 Grant to Assist Ohio Airline Workers The Department announced a $4,442,207 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to further assist 1,630 workers affected by layoffs at the Wilmington Air Park in Wilmington, Ohio, which was severely affected when DHL Express announced that it would eliminate its North American air and ground freight operations in November. $2.5 Million Grant to Texans Impacted by BRAC A $2.5 million National Emergency Grant was announced by the Department today to provide services to 1,472 workers in Texas that were impacted statewide by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions. "Few are more deserving of our support than our men and women in uniform, and the civilian workers who support them," said Secretary Solis. | |
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Opportunities are Open: Explore Jobs In ETA The Department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announced six competitions that focus on preparing workers for careers in various high growth and emerging industries. ETA is currently seeking individuals to serve as grant panelists for the remaining Solicitations for Grant Applications (SGAs). Explore the other ETA openings below or view all the exciting and rewarding DOL opportunities.
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This week Secretary Solis announced nearly $55 million in green jobs grants as part of a larger Recovery Act initiative — totaling $500 million — designed to promote economic growth through green jobs training. "The announcement is part of the administration’s long-term commitment to fostering both immediate economic growth and a clean energy future," said Secretary Solis. "It's an investment that will help American workers."
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FLOTUS & SECY: Mentors Matter!
Secretary Solis traveled to Denver with First Lady Michelle Obama and other cabinet members to participate with Hollywood celebrities in a White House leadership and mentoring initiative. After a luncheon at the Colorado Governor’s Mansion, she joined Academy Award winning actress Susan Sarandon at a special visit with 35 students at Ralston Valley High School in Arvada, Colo. to share career advice and experiences. Secretary Solis told the students that regardless of their goals and aspirations they should not let others dictate their future. Adding that coming from humble beginnings, she never thought about college, but with the help of a good mentor — a high school teacher — she was able to apply. And soon after, her other siblings followed her example. | |
ILAB on the Hill Earlier this week, Deputy Undersecretary of the Bureau of International Labor Affairs Sandra Polaski testified before the House Ways & Means' Trade Subcommittee. In her testimony, Polaski noted: "The Secretary has made the overarching goal for the Department of Labor — 'Good Jobs for Everyone.' In the Department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), which I lead, we support this goal by working to ensure that workers and their households are able to share in the benefits of trade — both in developing countries and here at home." | |
"Farmworkers Feed Us All"
Now through Dec. 2, "Farmworkers Feed Us All," a compelling photography exhibit will be on display in DOL's D.C. headquarters. The exhibit, which includes photographs from renowned photojournalist Earl Dotter, illustrates the dedication and hard work of Maine's farm and migrant workers, as well highlights the Department's commitment to the health and safety of workers in this high-risk working population. The exhibit is sponsored by OSHA. | |
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Know a Future White House Fellow? The President's Commission on White House Fellowships has started to recruit for next year's class of fellows and is determined to recruit a broad and qualified applicant pool. Promising young leaders who are committed to leadership and public service are encouraged to apply. | |
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Good Sites for Good Jobs The Department is on the lookout for job search tools that can connect job-seekers with careers in promising industries. That is why DOL is putting together an online challenge. There are hundreds of tools out and we want to find the best free job-search resources available. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks! | |
Wage Theft: "No Excuse" Yesterday, the Department's Wage and Hour Division hosted an outreach meeting with advocate groups and stakeholders for low-wage workers. "There is no excuse for employers who disregard federal labor standards — especially those that are designed to protect the most vulnerable in the workplace. America's workers should rest assured that protecting worker rights is a top priority at the Department of Labor," said Secretary Solis. Since the beginning of the year, the Department has had several significant enforcement cases and has hired an additional 250 new wage and hour investigators to ensure more targeted enforcement measures. | |
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USDOL Is “Fan”-tastic DOL is committed to utilizing the latest high tech tools to engage the public in our work. Facebook users are now able to comment on recent news items, share useful DOL resources with others, and become a "fan" of the Department (and the Secretary) to receive updates. Become a fan! | |
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Upcoming Deadlines & Events
OFCCP — Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) Workshop OFCCP — AAP Development & Preparing for a Desk Audit OFCCP Compliance Assistance Seminar OLMS Compliance Assistance Seminar
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