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DOL News Brief October 8, 2009
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What's Hot: DOL Proposes Exemption for Chrysler Retirees The Department's Employee Benefits Security Administration announced a proposed ERISA exemption that, if granted, would allow the New Chrysler Corp. to transfer a $4.59 billion promissory note and company securities to a Voluntary Employees Benefit Association Plan, which would provide health benefits to 120,000 retirees and dependents. | |
National News: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time when people across the nation recommit themselves to ending violence within homes, communities, and country. The passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994 improved services available to victims, but there is still more work to be done. That is why the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides $325 million for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) so that state and local governments can meet the needs of victims and hold offenders accountable. DOL Steps Up Efforts to Serve Workers with Disabilities The Department’s goal of "good jobs for everyone" is underscored by the commitment to serving every American worker, including the 54 million people across the nation living with disabilities. As part of this effort, in early 2010, DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) will collaborate with other agencies to organize a day-long federal government-wide job fair for workers with disabilities. Schedule A hiring authority, the right to the provision of reasonable accommodations, and information on assistive technology are among the workshops planned. | |
Spotlight on States: Illinois In the wake of 2008 storm destruction, DOL has announced a $774,925 National Emergency Grant increment to Illinois for continued recovery efforts. Funds will provide temporary jobs for dislocated workers and retain those already assisting in the clean-up efforts. “This additional funding will allow temporary workers to stay on the job and further the process to a complete regional recovery,” said Secretary Solis. | |
Recovery Highlights: Laid Off Textile Workers in Maine Get ARRA Help The Department will assist 100 workers laid-off from WestPoint Home, a textile mill in Biddeford, Maine through a $553,237 grant made available through the ARRA. “Plant closings and work reductions are an unfortunate reality across industries", said Secretary Solis, "Today, we have an opportunity to help these workers as they seek to re-enter the job market.” In addition to making retraining and re-employment services available for dislocated workers transitioning to new careers, the grant also provides access to support services, such as dependent care and transportation assistance. | |
Around DOL: Federal Agency Pro Bono Leadership Award A DOL Office of the Solicitor’s program has won this year's Federal Agency Pro Bono Leadership Award. The prize recognizes SOL’s commitment to promoting pro bono work among its attorneys and legal staff. For the past two years SOL has hosted several educational workshops, updated the SOL Pro Bono Policy, instituted a progressive administrative leave policy for pro bono work, and actively supported the development of Chicago's new regional pro bono program. (More..) Chef Monique Williams: A Job Corps Success Story
With a pinch of passion, a sprinkle of creativity and a generous amount of determination, "Chef Moe," Monique Williams, has been able to turn her cooking aspirations into a recipe for success. Her journey began as a culinary arts student at Woodstock Job Corps Center in Maryland — the same school where she landed her first job. After several years of teaching and inspiring other young chefs, Williams became the first former Job Corps student to become an advanced culinary instructor at Anne Arundel Community College. She was recognized during the 45th Anniversary of Job Corps celebration, and later joined her Woodland culinary students to cook with Chef Robert Irvine from the Food Network show Dinner: Impossible. "The opportunity to make a life-changing difference in the lives of other young people is very special to me, and I will forever be grateful to Job Corps for giving me that," said Williams. In Memoriam: Linda Poole 
The Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance (DTAA) and the DOL/ETA family are saddened by the sudden passing of Linda Poole on September 30, 2009. Linda served the Department for 32 years, and during her time as a DTAA Certifying Officer, she opened the door to training, career services, and reemployment for more than one million workers facing layoffs nationwide. Linda’s dedication extended to her relationships with colleagues—offering friendship and guidance and serving as a mentor to young staff members. Linda’s legacy of public service and countless contributions will be remembered by those who knew her both professionally and personally. | |
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Opportunities are Open: MSHA Want a career protecting lives? DOL's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) may be the place for you! MSHA opportunities are open throughout the country. Explore the opportunities listed below or view all the exciting and rewarding DOL positions.
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Inter-American Labor Ministers Meet in Argentina
This week, Secretary Solis led the U.S. delegation to Argentina, for the 16th Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor. “This gathering provides an important opportunity for us both to share our successes and to learn from how each nation meets key challenges,” she said during a plenary session held on Wednesday. Solis’ message during the conference emphasized the US’s employment recovery measures and noted DOL efforts to implement strategies and programs that strengthen the middle class. The more than three dozen labor ministers from the region discussed efforts to reduce poverty, create opportunities for women and vulnerable populations, and improve worker rights and working conditions. | |
Hispanic Heritage Month: Panel to Explore Contributions/Challenges of Latino Workers As part of the Department's educational and cultural activities in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Secretary Solis will host and moderate a provocative panel discussion on "Latinos in the 21st Century Workforce." The event, to be held at the Department's Frances Perkins Building in Washington, is open to the public. A group of distinguished experts, including Janet Murguia of the National Council of La Raza, Dr. Pablo Farias of the Ford Foundation, and Dr. Raul Hinojosa-Ojeda of UCLA will discuss the changing demographics of the nation's workforce, globalization and its impact on Latino workers, and strategies to prepare Latino workers for the jobs of tomorrow, among many other topics. Following the panel discussion, there will be a special cultural performance of Mexican dance, and a delicious food sampling! | |
Special Message to Former Standard Oil Workers in NJ Former Standard Oil Development Co. employees who worked in Linden, N.J., at least 250 days during Aug. 13, 1942, through Dec. 31, 1945, have been added to a new class of workers under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act’s (EEOICPA) Special Exposure Cohort (SEC). The EEOICPA entitles employees included in this SEC class to medical benefits and compensation for work-related illnesses. For additional information about the new SEC contact 800-941-3943. | |
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Upcoming Deadlines & Events ARRA Grant Application Deadlines
Spotlight: 2009 TRAM*/National Mine Instructors Seminar This tuition-free seminar provides opportunities for health and safety trainers to improve their training programs with new ideas and materials. Dozens of workshops cover a wide variety of topics, including emergency preparedness, risk management, electrical safety, refuge chambers, e-learning and web-based training. EBSA COBRA Subsidy Under ARRA OFCCP Compliance Assistance Seminars for Construction Contractors
OFCCP — Compliance Assistance Seminar (ARRA) OFCCP — Compliance Assistance AAP Workshop OFCCP — Compliance Assistance Seminar OLMS — Compliance Assistance Seminar — Union Officer Elections Women's Bureau: Economic Recovery — What Women Need to Know Women's Bureau: Recovery Act Forum with the MANA Leadership Conference for Latina Women |
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