U.S. Department of Labor -- 2002 Highlights Archive

2002 Highlights Archive

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"Highlights" items focus on newsworthy events sponsored by the Department to strengthen the workforce and the business community.


	December 2002
	Trust Fund Integrity Rule: Birth and Adoption Unemployment Compensation The Department of Labor is proposing to remove the Birth and Adoption Unemployment Compensation (BAA-UC) regulations and invites written comments on this proposal by February 3, 2003.

	Photo Gallery of 2002 Secretary of Labor's Opportunity, EVE and EPIC Awards Three awards, the Secretary of Labor’s Opportunity Award, Exemplary Volunteer Efforts (EVE), and Exemplary Public Interest Contributions (EPIC), were presented to recognize excellence and leadership in the implementation of effective equal employment opportunity standards.

	November 2002 Tips for Employers on Safe and Sober Office Parties The office is frequently a place where employees and employers get together to celebrate special events. Office parties typically mean lots of music, food, and drinks. If the drinks include alcohol, however, office parties can have very unfortunate consequences. Improper use of alcohol may expose employers to liability under tort, workers' compensation, or other laws.

	October 2002 DOL Spotlight on Health Care Fraud The Department of Labor is committed to protecting benefits of American workers, retirees, and their families. Granting employers the option of creating Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs), which are designed to give small employers access to low cost health coverage on terms similar to those available to large employers, is a possible solution advocated by the Department. West Coast Ports Information Faced with a growing threat to the American economy and American jobs, President Bush on October 7 used his statutory authority under the Taft-Hartley Act to convene a Board of Inquiry to examine the work stoppage at the West Coast ports. DOL MBA Outreach Program In the spirit of President Bush’s vision for a results oriented, citizen centered, and market based government, the Department of Labor has created an aggressive recruitment program to attract the best candidates to serve and protect America’s workforce. Interim Final Rules on Disclosure of Pension Plan "Blackout Periods" The Department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration announced plans to publish interim final rules implementing a new federal law requiring 401(k)-type plans to give participants 30-day advance notice of “blackout periods” affecting their rights to direct investments, take loans, or obtain distributions. The interim final rules contain model notice language to assist plan sponsors in carrying out this new obligation. Women's Bureau e-News News items from the Women's Bureau include information about the nation's shortage of nurses, which prompted action by the Bush administration to help promote this critically important health care profession. Information Quality Guidelines Guidelines for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information disseminated by the Department.

	September 2002 Application of U.S. Labor Laws to Immigrant Workers: Effect of Hoffman Plastics Decision on Laws Enforced by the Wage & Hour Division In the Hoffman Plastics case, the Supreme Court decided that providing back pay to the undocumented worker would conflict with policies under U.S. immigration laws. Those laws require employees to present documents establishing their identity and authorization to work at the time they are hired. An employer must check those documents and cannot knowingly hire someone who is not authorized to work. Small Business Regulatory Compliance Assistance Page A service of the Department of Labor's Office of Small Business Programs, designed to assist small businesses in complying with rules, regulations, and laws enforced by the Department. Information About EPAct and DOL Efforts to Procure Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) Part of a government-wide effort to enhance the nation's energy security and to encourage the use of alternative fuels to help reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil.

	YouthRules! Web Site Part of an initiative to promote positive and safe work experiences for young workers. 2001 Highlights Archive