DOL News Brief

August 27, 2009

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Special Tribute: Senator Edward Kennedy

"A tireless champion of working people, Sen. Kennedy dedicated his life to making America a better place. Over the past half century, his efforts shaped every major piece of legislation advancing the labor and civil rights, education, health and economic well-being of past, current and future generations," said Secretary Solis in a statement issued yesterday.

• Read Secretary Solis' Full Statement

What's Hot: DOL Reform Agenda

Evaluate, improve and innovate: Those are the key elements of the department's ambitious reform agenda.  They will also be the key topics discussed at a special Government Executive event on Wednesday, September 2 at the National Press Club in Washington.  DOL Deputy Secretary Seth Harris will join "DepSecs" from the USDA and VA and share "Dispatches From The Front Lines of Reform."

• View Event Details

In the News:

Job Corps Gives Extreme Makeover

Thirty-four carpentry & electrical students from the Woodland Job Corps Center volunteered their time and skills to support the ABC hit show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” as it built a new home for one deserving family in Hyattsville, Md. Tomorrow, Secretary Solis pays a visit to The Fishing School in NE DC, where “EM:HE” is rebuilding a local youth center. She will focus on construction safety. More...

• View the Slideshow

TAA for 3,200 Workers in 14 States

DOL has certified approximately 3,200 workers in 14 states impacted by direct foreign competition to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). Secretary Solis said, “TAA is one way we can help these individuals re-enter the workforce in promising industries that pay good wages." Those who apply may receive case management and re-employment services, training in new occupational skills and trade readjustment allowances that provide income support for workers enrolled in training.

• Read the News Release

Spotlight on States: Minnesota

Minnesota has received more than $3.4 million to assist approximately 1,109 workers affected by manufacturing industry layoffs.

• Read the News Release
• Recovery Act Funding by State

Opportunities are Open: DOL is Hiring

DOL has many exciting open job opportunities. We are looking for the right candidate, and that person may be you!  Please consider applying for a DOL position below or check out others at http://www.dol.gov/dol/jobs.htm.

1. Position in Washington, DC Metro Area
   Senior Health Specialist — Grade 15
   DE-09-MSHA-288
   Close: 9/30/09
2. Position in Washington, DC Metro Area
   Supervisory Immigration Program Analyst — Grade 14
   DE-09-ETA-096
   Close: 9/11/2009
3. Position in New Orleans, LA
   Supervisory Equal Opportunity Specialist — Grade 13
   DE-09-DAL-OFCCP-0225
   Close: 9/8/2009

Upcoming Deadlines & Events

ARRA Grant Application Deadlines

• Energy Training Partnership Grants
  (SGA/DFA PY 08-18)
  Close: 9/4/2009
• Pathways Out of Poverty
  (SGA/DFA PY 08-19)
  Close: 9/29/2009
• Health Care Sector and Other High Growth and Emerging Industries
  (SGA/DFA PY 09-01)
  Close: 10/5/2009
• State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) and Training Grants
  (SGA/DFA PY-08-20)
  Close: 10/20/2009

Spotlight: OLMS Compliance Forums

The Office of Labor Management Standards provides important compliance assistance for union officers. Forum sessions include an overview of the LMRDA, union officer elections, and financial recordkeeping & reporting requirements.

• September 1 — Philadelphia, PA
• September 2 — Philadelphia, PA
• September 9 — Lakewood, CO
• September 10 — Lakewood, CO

OFCCP AAP Development & Preparing for a Desk Audit

• September 1 — Philadelphia, PA

OFCCP Compliance Assistance Seminars

• September 1 — Milwaukee, WI
• September 2 — Nashville, TN
• September 3 — Milwaukee, WI
• September 4 — Columbus, OH

OFCCP Compliance Assistance Seminar for ARRA

• September 2 — Mountainside, NJ

OFCCP Compliance Assistance Seminar for Construction Contractors

• September 1 — Milwaukee, WI

WHD Prevailing Wage Conferences

• Sept. 15-17 — Long Beach, CA
• Sept. 22-24 — San Antonio, TX

OSBP Employer Compliance Assistance Forum

• August 31 — Greenville, SC
• September 1 — Pendleton, SC

National Equal Opportunity Professional Development Forum

• August 31 — Arlington, VA

WHD H-1B Compliance Assistance Seminar

• September 1 — Dallas, TX

Solis Rocks Labor Day

You might not have to work on Labor Day weekend, but Labor Secretary Solis will be "on the job." As a special weekend guest DJ on SIRIUS XM's The Spectrum, SIRIUS channel 18, XM channel 45, she will be spinning songs about work and workers in observance of this uniquely American holiday. On her playlist: Bruce Springsteen's "Working on the Highway," The Clash's "Career Opportunities," Bob Marley's "Work," and Bob Dylan's "Maggie's Farm." Listen for more starting at 3pm EDT on Friday, September 4th.