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DOL News Brief October 15, 2009
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What's Hot: OSHA H1N1 Guidance DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration will soon issue a compliance directive to ensure uniform procedures when conducting inspections to identify and minimize occupational exposures to the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus. The directive will closely follow the CDC's Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel. If inspectors determine that a facility could enhance the protection of employees through additional measures, OSHA may provide the employer with a Hazard Alert Letter outlining measures to further protect workers. | ||
Around DOL:
Swearing In Ceremony for Assistant Secretaries The Department couldn't be happier with our outstanding team that was sworn in by Secretary Solis last Friday. Phyllis Borzi, Assistant Secretary for EBSA; Ray Jefferson, Assistant Secretary for VETS; Brian Kennedy, Assistant Secretary for OCIA; Michael Kerr, Assistant Secretary for OASAM; Kathleen Martinez, Assistant Secretary for ODEP; and Jane Oates, Assistant Secretary for ETA have dedicated their lives to public service and agreed to give of themselves once again by serving the American people at DOL. "None of the men and women are under any illusion about the challenges that lay before us. And I am confident that this is the right team to help me lead the Labor Department through some rather turbulent economic times," said Secretary Solis. Disability Awareness Month: ODEP Perspectives Conference The Department has partnered with several federal agencies to host the 28th Annual Perspectives on Employment of Persons with Disabilities Conference. On December 9-11, 2009, attendees will find the latest information on personnel policies and practices, developments in technology, legal updates, and resources to get an edge in recruiting, hiring and retaining qualified federal employees with disabilities. Perspectives also offers a unique opportunity to hear from Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez about disability employment issues in the federal sector. Perspectives is a "must attend" for federal HR and EEO specialists, hiring managers, and others who manage employment matters concerning persons with disabilities.
"President Santos," aka Jimmy Smits, in DOL PSAs Actor and activist Jimmy Smits recorded several Public Service Announcements for the Department earlier this week. His message: workers need to know their rights, make sure they are paid what they earn, and be vigilant about safety on the job. The spots will run on local English and Spanish language radio and television across the country beginning in late Fall. | ||
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DOL in Action: TAA Certifications 8,600 Workers Certified for Trade Adjustment Assistance 8,600 workers from companies in 17 states — Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin — have been certified as eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). "Workers facing layoffs or reduced hours due to direct foreign competition deserve our support," said Secretary Solis. Case management and re-employment, training in new occupational skills and trade readjustment allowances that provide income support for workers enrolled in training are among the services available to TAA workers. Some workers may also receive job search and relocation allowances, and the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). 2,300 Workers in 14 States also Eligible to Apply for TAA The Department also announced that 2,329 workers from companies in 14 states — Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin — are eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). "The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to supporting all of the nation’s workers — including those who lose their jobs because their companies relocate abroad," said Secretary Solis. | ||
Recovery Highlights: UI Grants for MT and CO Montana Gets ARRA Funds for UI Montana has been certified for $13,017,176 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds. DOL qualified the state for the remaining share of the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. "Montana already had shown its commitment to workers by enacting legislation that provides unemployment compensation to recent entrants to the workforce who lose their jobs," said Secretary Solis. "The state now has updated its law further to make it easier for individuals to be eligible for benefits. This is a solid step forward and essential to ensuring more workers get the support they need and deserve." DOL Release of $85 Million in UI Funds to Colorado The Department also certified the release of $84,979,841 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to Colorado after the state improved benefit eligibility requirements for workers who became unemployed for compelling family reasons, and those who are seeking part-time work. "Colorado is among several states that already have received part of their share of UI modernization funds by updating legislation to help unemployed workers with recent work experience obtain the assistance they need and deserve," said Secretary Solis. "The state has made changes to unemployment insurance law that are good for workers and will contribute to Colorado’s ongoing economic recovery." | ||
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Opportunities are Open: Jobs at EBSA Want a career ensuring that working families receive the benefits they deserve? DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) may be the place for you! Explore the opportunities listed below or view all the exciting and rewarding DOL positions.
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Solis to Host Tribal Leaders On November 4, Secretary Solis will host tribal leaders at the Department to join forces on a vision for economic and workforce development in Indian Country. Representatives of the 564 federally recognized tribes across the United States have been invited to this first-of-its-kind meeting, marking a new beginning in the ongoing collaboration between the Department and tribal nations. "I look forward to integrating this priority into each of the department's agencies, which will focus on building meaningful relationships that engage the tribes in our ongoing work," said Secretary Solis. | |
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Lights! Camera! Ability! National Disability Employment Awareness Month Secretary Solis will host a panel discussion focusing on people with disabilities in the performing and visual arts. The event will feature two very prominent guests, Fred Beam, the creator of the one-man show "Black Deaf Male: Who Am I?" and Robert David Hall, known to his fans as Dr. Robbins on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," who is also a respected advocate for greater opportunities for people with disabilities. | |
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Hispanic Heritage Month
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, the Department reflects upon all of the exciting events that DOL employees were able to experience — a panel discussion and preview of the upcoming film "The Harvest", Salsa and Merengue dance lessons, and a book discussion on "Beautiful Flowers of the Maquiladora," just to name a few. Earlier this week Secretary Solis moderated a discussion on "Latinos in the 21st Century Workforce." Panelists included Janet Murguía of the National Council of La Raza, Dr. Pablo Farías of the Ford Foundation, and Dr. Raúl Hinojosa-Ojeda of UCLA. The session explored 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. | |
GovBenefits.gov Spotlights U.S. Department of Labor Programs The U.S. Department of Labor is widely known for its services in job placement and for enforcing wage and safety standards, yet its resources are much more diverse. To find more information on these and other programs, visit GovBenefits.gov and select “U.S. Department of Labor” under Federal Agency. Be sure to take advantage of all of the relevant benefits that DOL has to offer! | |
Drug-Free Work Week Don’t forget, Drug-Free Work Week begins Monday, October 19. It is time spread the word that working drug-free works! According to recent research, it’s a message that many workers need to hear: 3.1 percent of illegal drug users and 7.1 percent of heavy alcohol users say they have actually used drugs and consumed alcohol during the workday. The Department has created materials that can assist organizations in promoting Drug-Free Work Week, or implement a Drug-Free Work Week campaign in an individual workplace. | |
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Upcoming Deadlines & Events ARRA Grant Application Deadlines
EBSA COBRA/ARRA Workshop OFCCP — AAP Development & Preparing for a Desk Audit OFCCP — Compliance Assistance Seminar
OFCCP AAP Compliance Assistance Seminars for Construction Contractors
OFCCP — ARRA Compliance Assistance Seminar for Construction Contractors OLMS — Compliance Assistance Seminar — Union Officer Elections OSHA — Training on Material Safety Data Sheets OSHA — Update for Disaster Site Worker Train-the-Trainer Course OWCP — Longshore LHWCA Training & Compliance Assistance Seminar Women's Bureau: Recovery Act Forum with the MANA Leadership Conference for Latina Women Women's Bureau: Rising to the Challenge |
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