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DOL News Brief October 29, 2009
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What's Hot: Workplace Illnesses and Injuries Down in 2008 Earlier today, the Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that private industry employers have reduced injury and illness rates from a total case rate of 4.2 per 100 equivalent full-time workers in 2007 to 3.9 cases in 2008. The report also noted a decline in non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses from 4 million cases in 2007 to 3.7 million cases in 2008. "While I am cautiously optimistic that these decreases in injury and illness rates represent change in the right direction, they do not lessen the need for strong enforcement to ensure that safety is a top priority in every workplace," noted Secretary Solis. |
National News: VP Announces Reopening of Former GM Boxwood Plant Vice President Joe Biden announced Fisker Automotive is re-opening a shuttered former GM factory in Wilmington, DE, to produce long-range, plug-in, electric hybrid vehicles. The effort is part of the of the Administration’s commitment to jumpstarting the production of American-made fuel efficient vehicles. Fisker has set a goal to build 75,000-100,000 cars by 2014. "The rebirth of the Boxwood Road plant is good for Delaware’s workers," said DOL’s Ed Montgomery, the Executive Director of the White House Council for Automotive Communities and Workers. "The reopening of this facility serves as another reminder of the resiliency of the American worker and the continuing transformation of our national economy." Sentinels of Safety: Outstanding Mining Operations The Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Mining Association recently honored twenty mining operations for their outstanding 2008 safety records during the annual "Sentinels of Safety" awards program. The companies were recognized for achieving the greatest number of employee work-hours without a fatal or lost-workdays injury in 2008. |
Around DOL: Leadership Team Grows The Department is pleased to announce that two more members of the leadership team were recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate last week: Joseph A. Main, Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health (MSHA) and William E. Spriggs, Assistant Secretary for Policy (ASP). Both bring a distinguished record of achievement to their posts, and will play a critical role in delivering on the Department's goal of "Good Jobs for Everyone." |
DOL in Action: $372K for GE Security Workers The Department announced a $372,839 grant to assist 65 laid-off workers at General Electric Security Inc., a subsidiary of General Electric Co. in Pittsfield, Maine. "This grant will provide the retraining and job search assistance necessary for affected workers in Maine to get a leg up in the current economic climate," said Secretary Solis. Affected workers will have access to skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling, and occupational skills training. 8,600 Workers in 16 States Eligible for TAA Approximately 8,600 workers from companies in 16 states - Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin - are eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). Workers covered will be contacted by their respective states with instructions on how to apply for individual benefits and services. 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. Some may also receive job search and relocation allowances, and the Health Coverage Tax Credit. Cracking Down on Child Labor Violations The Department's Wage and Hour Division has cited Ferrari, Inc. — a Vineland, New Jersey vegetable farm — for child labor violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Investigators found that the farm employed two individuals under the age of 12. Ferrari was also assessed a penalty for transportation and recordkeeping violations of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. In Michigan, meanwhile, Wage and Hour announced $36,134 in civil penalties against eight growers in five counties for migrant housing and child labor law violations following investigations of 35 agricultural employers across the state. Of the total Michigan penalties, $2,584 was assessed against blueberry growers Adkin Blue Ribbon Packing Company and Jawor Brothers in Van Buren and Muskegon counties, respectively, for child labor infractions. In one case, a six year old was found picking in the fields. |
Spotlight on States: Kentucky Worrying about health insurance will no longer be a problem for 1,550 jobless workers in Kentucky. The Department announced $6 million in grants to cover partial premium payments for health insurance. Under the program, unemployed individuals who are receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) benefits and are eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit can receive 80 percent of premium costs for qualified health insurance programs. |
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Opportunities are Open: Management @ Labor The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) seeks a Regional Administrator for the Atlanta Region. This important position provides leadership and direction through management and administrative programs and services—including human resources, labor relations, financial management, information technology, procurement and contracting, space management, safety and health, and emergency preparedness. Explore the other management opportunities listed below or view all the exciting and rewarding DOL positions.
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Power Talk with Power Women
What happens when women run things? That was the question posed to Secretary Solis at the 23rd Annual California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women. The gathering of more than 15,000 women of all generations and backgrounds is designed to empower women to be a catalyst for change in their family, communities, and even internationally. Solis participated in a riveting panel discussion with Dr. Ruth Simmons, President of Brown University; Arianna Huffington, Editor-in-Chief of The Huffington Post; and Cindie Leive, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour magazine. Claire Shipman, Senior National Correspondent of ABC News’ Good Morning America, served as moderator. |
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Join DOL in a Salute to VETS! On Thursday, November 5 the Department's Veteran’s Employment and Training Service (VETS) will host a special event in honor of the service and sacrifice made by our nation’s veterans. Following the event, which will be held in the Washington, D.C. Department of Labor headquarter's auditorium, dozens of veterans' service providers, National Guard units, and the VETS national office will host an information fair. Area veterans, their families, supporters, and advocates are welcome to attend. | |
Solis Goes West...and Green
Earlier this week, Secretary Solis kicked-off Solar Power International, an event where the renewable power industry comes together with potential customers, policymakers, investors, and even the entertainment community (yes, that's actor Ed Begley, Jr. in the picture). “We know that America cannot build a 21st Century clean energy economy without a smart, strong and secure electricity delivery system,” said Solis. “Our goal must be a clean energy future that works for all Americans — a clean energy future with good jobs for everyone.” The next day, Solis headed to Nevada where she announced a $138 million award to NV Energy for smart grid technology as part of the $3.4 billion in Smart Grid Investment Grants made available under the Recovery Act. | |
Tribal Leaders at DOL Next Week On November 4, Secretary Solis will host a meeting for tribal leaders at the Department. Representatives of all federally recognized tribes are invited. | |
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Back By Popular Demand Did you miss last week’s event with “CSI” actor Robert David Hall and performance artist Fred Beam? Watch it now! | |
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Upcoming Deadlines & Events OFCCP — Compliance Assistance Seminar OFCCP — Compliance Assistance Seminar OFCCP — Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) Workshop OFCCP — AAP Development & Preparing for a Desk Audit OLMS — Compliance Assistance Seminar OSHA — Georgia Struck By Alliance Safety Stand Down EBSA — ERISA Advisory Council Final Meeting for 2009 EBSA — COBRA Workshop OFCCP — Agency Update at Central Western New York State ILG Meeting OFCCP — Construction Workshop EBSA — Getting Ready for the 2009 Form 5500 and Electronic Filing - Getting Into the Details EBSA — COBRA/ARRA Workshop OLMS — Compliance Assistance Seminar Women's Bureau: What Women Need to Know | |
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