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DOL News Brief November 5, 2009
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What's Hot
OSHA Issues Record-Breaking Fines to BP The Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced $87,430,000 in proposed penalties to BP Products North America Inc. for failure to correct potential hazards — the largest fine in OSHA’s history. In 2005, safety violations at BP's Texas City, Texas refinery resulted in an explosion with 15 deaths and 170 injured. This announcement comes at the conclusion of a six-month inspection by OSHA, which determined that BP has failed to comply with its obligations in the 2005 agreement where the company agreed to corrective actions. "Workplace safety is more than a slogan. It's the law," said Secretary Solis. Caribbean International News Corp to Restore $1.2 million The recent judgment in Solis v. Caribbean International News Corp. orders the employer to restore more than $1.2 million to the El Vocero de Puerto Rico Union Employees Savings and Investment Plan. Following an investigation by the Department's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), Caribbean International News Corp., who does business as El Vocero de Puerto Rico, was found in violation of the ERISA. The corporation failed to deposit plan contributions withheld from employees' wages and to collect matching employer contributions. Tyson Foods Violates FLSA Today, Tyson Foods Inc., one of the nation’s largest poultry producers, has been found in violation of the FLSA at its Blountsville, Ala., facility. Secretary Solis commented on this critical achievement, adding, "the addition of 250 new wage and hour field investigators along with additional new staff in the Department's Office of the Solicitor, makes clear our commitment to ensuring compliance with federal labor laws." DOL filed its lawsuit after Tyson Foods failed to keep accurate records and pay production line employees for the time they spend donning and doffing safety and sanitary gear, and performing other related work activities. | |
Around DOL: Annual Salute to VETS
Earlier today, the Department's Veteran’s Employment and Training Service (VETS) hosted its annual "Salute to Vets" in honor of the service and sacrifice made by our nation’s veterans. The event featured a panel discussion with Secretary Solis, veteran and business owner, Dawn Halfaker, and Command Sergeant Michelle Jones. "We need to work to ensure that our sons and daughters returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and all those who have served, are provided with the needed assistance they deserve and the job training and re-employment assistance they need," said Assistant Secretary for VETS Ray Jefferson at the salute. | |
DOL in Action Maid Service Ordered to Clean Up Their Act The owners of Southern California Maid Service and Carpet Cleaning Inc., were taken into custody and later released after failing to comply with a court order directing payment of $3.5 million in back wages, plus interest, fines and liquidated damages to at least 385 workers. Following an investigation by the Department's Wage and Hour Division, the court sided with the Department stating that the company had wrongly classified its home and carpet cleaning employees as independent contractors and failed to pay them the federally required minimum wage or overtime for hours worked over 40 per week. MSHA 2009 Winter Alert "Beat Winter Hazards, Win with Winter Alert" - that is the slogan for the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) 2009 Winter Alert campaign to warn miners and mine operators of the dangers colder weather can bring to the mining environment. Most coal mine explosions occur from October to March when the weather is coldest. Ensuring adequate ventilation, applying liberal amounts of rock dust, conducting frequent and thorough examinations, and being familiar with emergency procedures to prevent coal mine ignitions and explosions are among the safety checklist MSHA warns miners and operators to follow. | |
Spotlight on States: Massachusetts Jabil Circuit Inc. Workers Receive Over $800K Grant The Department announced a $827,616 grant to assist 135 workers affected by the closure of Jabil Circuit Inc. in Billerica, Mass. "As our nation's economic recovery ramps up, we must offer our full support to working men and women and help them prepare to tackle the new jobs that will be created," said Secretary Solis. Awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, the grant will provide dislocated workers with access to "wrap-around" and supportive services, such as dependent care and transportation assistance. $108 Million in UI Modernization DOL certified for release $108,455,561 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to Massachusetts—the remaining two-thirds of its share of the funds available under the Recovery Act. Massachusetts already received part of its UI modernization funds and qualified for the remainder by expanding its provisions allowing workers enrolled in approved training programs to receive unemployment compensation. | |
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Opportunities are Open: Hot Jobs in "Hotlanta" Want exciting work in the federal government? Don't want to work in Washington, D.C.? You may be surprised to learn that the majority of federal jobs are outside of the nation's capital. Three hot jobs at the U.S. Department of Labor are in "Hotlanta." Check out these positions or view all the exciting and rewarding DOL opportunities.
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Solis Leads Verification Delegation in Honduras Earlier this week, Secretary Solis and former Chilean President Ricardo Lagos traveled to Honduras to participate in a four-person Commission tasked with monitoring the creation of a power-sharing government and to oversee a U.S.-brokered agreement to end the four-month-old political crisis. Accompanying Lagos and Solis was the Organization of American States Secretary for Political Affairs Victor Rico, and the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Craig Kelly. Secretary Solis said she was “very proud” to be in Honduras representing the Obama Administration. | |
Hiring Our Heroes On Nov. 12, Secretary Solis will join VA Secretary Shinseki at "Business Steps Up: Hiring Our Heroes," an event focusing on what the business community can do to help our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans transition to civilian life and new careers. The discussion, to be held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., will offer solutions to many of the employment issues facing veterans. | |
United We Ride Dialogue Going on now through November 13, United We Ride is hosting an open Web dialogue with stakeholders on increasing access to affordable and reliable transportation services for individuals with disabilities, older adults and people with limited incomes. Join the conversation and help influence future decisions and policies through your thoughts and ideas. | |
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Tribal Leaders Convene at DOL and White House
As a prelude to the White House Tribal Nations Conference today, the Department hosted an unprecedented event with tribal leaders. Invitations were extended to representatives of the 564 federally-recognized tribes across the U.S. to participate in a new ongoing collaboration between the Department and Tribal Nations. Deputy Secretary Seth Harris, Assistant Secretary for VETS Ray Jefferson, Assistant Secretary for ETA Jane Oates, Chief of Staff Katherine Archuleta and Director of OFCCP Patricia Shiu each articulated his or her vision for economic and workforce development in Indian Country, as well as integrating this priority into every DOL agency and program. | |
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Upcoming Deadlines & Events OFCCP — AAP Development & Preparing for a Desk Audit OFCCP — Compliance in the ARRA Era OFCCP — Compliance Assistance Seminar OFCCP — Workforce Awareness Group Seminar OLMS Compliance Assistance Seminar OLMS Seminar: Member Rights, Union Democracy and Effective Leadership OSBP Employer Compliance Assistance Forum: Understanding DOL Rules and Regulations Women's Bureau: What Women Need to Know Women's Bureau: What the Stimulus Package holds for Women in Kansas City | |
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