WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced its latest round of opinion letters and ongoing policy efforts to provide greater guidance and transparency to support American workers, job creators, and retirees.

“This Labor Day, the Department of Labor is providing all of its stakeholders with greater clarity on federal labor laws,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “This Administration is committed to clear, practical compliance assistance that helps workers understand their rights, helps employers understand their obligations, and gives all stakeholders the certainty they need to comply with the law. In honor of Labor Day, 10 agencies across the Department of Labor are delivering on that commitment.”

Learn more about the department’s initiatives on the Labor Day 2026 page.

Center For Faith:

• The department’s Center for Faith created a resource to answer common questions that faith-based organizations have regarding federal wage and hour laws. 

Employee Benefits Security Administration: 

• EBSA issued an advisory opinion considering whether the Blue and Gold Automotive Health Trust Fund Welfare Benefit Plan constitutes a viable association health plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act such that the employers involved can band together to obtain more favorable healthcare pricing options for their employees.
• EBSA also published a field assistance bulletin outlining the guiding principles for EBSA’s enforcement policy regarding the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act to focus resources on areas that will have the greatest impact on access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits.

Employment and Training Administration:

• ETA released a Training and Employment Notice 05-26, establishing a five-component framework for effective pre-apprenticeships. By strengthening pre-apprenticeship programs and giving employers the guidance and tools necessary to funnel younger workers into registered apprenticeship programs, the Trump Administration is ensuring the American workforce gains and maintains the skills necessary to build the modern and future economy.
• ETA also issued Circular 2026-04, informing employers that sponsor registered apprentices how to obtain money made available through the new Workforce Pell Grant, created by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. By following this guidance and partnering with eligible educational institutions, employers using registered apprentices can access program flexibilities that allow businesses to grow and apprentices to build a high-paying career in their communities.
• ETA published Unemployment Insurance Program Letter 14-26, furthering President Trump’s directive to fight fraud by setting expectations for state workforce agencies to develop and implement plans to combat fraud in their state-level unemployment insurance systems and clarifying when states must adopt corrective action plans for failure to protect against the misuse of American’s tax dollars.  

Bureau of International Labor Affairs:

• ILAB released videos highlighting the American stories that put our workers front and center. From shrimpers on the Gulf Coast to workers in Alaska powering our critical minerals supply chains, the recordings demonstrate how unfair foreign competition driven by labor abuse undercuts U.S. industries – and what a level playing field really looks like. Each story makes it clear President Trump’s work is increasing U.S. job and wage growth, enforcing fair labor standards, and backing American workers and businesses with the tools they need to compete and win.

Mine Safety and Health Administration:

• Aiming to achieve greater consistency of outcomes, MSHA recently centralized its negotiators into the Conference Litigation and Investigative Resources group. This new structure will streamline conferences, reduce litigation costs, and enhance agency credibility before judges, operators, and miners. This will help support the Trump administration’s reinvigoration of the American coal industry.
• MSHA recently launched a new, comprehensive “professionalism” training course for inspectors, as well as managers and administrative staff in the field who also interact with the public. To best protect America’s crucial mine workforce, MSHA must earn the trust of and build lasting relationships with those who work in and operate American mines. Equipping MSHA investigators with the skills to do both is essential for rebuilding American mining dominance.

Office of Labor-Management Standards:

• OLMS issued an advisory opinion letter considering whether a newly formed union’s initial officer selection process is subject to the election protections and requirements of Title IV of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.  

Occupational Safety and Health Administration:

• OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs promote effective worksite-based safety and health by recognizing employers for their achievements leading the way in creating stronger and safer worksites every day. OSHA recognizes employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health management systems through VPP.

Wage and Hour Division: 

The division released three opinion letters responding to important questions on the application of the Fair Labor Standards Act: 

• FLSA 2026-11: Whether an uncompensated 60-minute lunch break, during which employees spend six to 14 minutes walking to and from the employer’s designated break area, constitutes a bona fide meal period.
• FLSA 2026-12: Whether FLSA-exempt employees of a nonprofit organization may volunteer, outside of their normal work hours, to perform services for their employing organization.
• FLSA 2026-13: Whether the FLSA allows a restaurant supervisor who also works as a bartender to keep a portion of other employees’ tips and the extent to which he or she may participate in a tip pool.

The Wage and Hour Division also updated its mobile app timesheet, now called WorkWise Timesheet, to provide streamlined tools for tracking regular work hours, breaks, overtime, and pay for both employees and employers.

Office of Disability Employment Policy:

• ODEP unveiled the Make Work Pay Hub, a new website that helps job seekers, workers, retirees, and employers find financial planning resources for people with disabilities. The Hub features ABLE accounts, which let eligible workers save for disability-related expenses without affecting federal benefits, and Trump accounts, new tax-advantaged savings accounts for any U.S. citizen under 18.

Veterans’ Employment and Training Service:

• VETS issued an opinion letter considering whether the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects employees from any retaliatory action by their employers because they engaged in USERRA-protected activity. 

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling issued the following statement regarding the August 2026 Employment Situation Report:

“President Trump’s economic comeback continues to deliver for American workers and businesses, as this Administration has now surpassed 1 million new private-sector jobs. In August, the economy added 162,000 jobs, tripling expectations and marking the second-largest monthly gain of President Trump’s second term. This year alone, the U.S. economy has added 643,000 jobs.

“After years of decline, American manufacturing continues to rebound exactly as President Trump promised. Fueled by trillions of dollars in historic investments, manufacturing and construction have now added jobs for three consecutive months.” 

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling issued the following statement regarding the July 2026 Employment Situation Report:

“The labor market is seeing continued growth in private sector employment, adding 30,000 jobs in July and 426,000 this year. Additionally, we are adding jobs in key sectors with gains in construction and manufacturing driven by the trillions of dollars of investments that are pouring into the United States.”

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling issued the following statement regarding the June 2026 Employment Situation Report:

“The policies championed by President Trump and the Working Families Tax Cuts continue to drive private-sector employment, accelerating from last year. This administration has created more than 900,000 jobs while keeping government employment at its lowest levels since 1966. The certainty that our manufacturers and construction sectors are seeing thanks to the permanency of key tax provisions will fuel economic growth for American businesses, families, and workers across the country. 

The June Jobs Report added 57,000 jobs marking the fourth consecutive month of positive payroll growth. Manufacturing employment, which was devastated under the Biden Administration, continues to grow as we secure historic investments and reshoring of critical industries.

President Trump’s America first agenda continues to provide greater wages for workers and certainty to the sectors which will fuel the next 250 years of U.S. economic security.”

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today issued guidance clarifying that employer contributions made to a minor child’s Trump Account will not generally be subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. 

A Technical Release from the department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration provides clear guidance regarding the treatment of Trump Accounts given their unique status as an individual retirement account that may be funded by contributions from employers, governments, charitable organizations, and family members.

“This guidance should provide the clarity that employers need as the Administration rolls out Trump Accounts to jumpstart a golden age of investing in future generations,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling. “Through President Trump’s leadership, Trump Accounts are a strong first step towards a secure financial future.” 

Trump Accounts will build long-term financial security for millions of U.S. citizens under 18 through tax-advantaged investments. Each child born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, is eligible to receive a $1,000 contribution to their Trump Account from the Treasury Department. Families can also contribute up to $5,000 a year to each Trump Account. In addition, state, local, and tribal governments as well as charities and employers can contribute to a child’s Trump Account. 

Parents or guardians looking to build long-term financial security for their children or dependents can visit TrumpAccounts.gov to enroll in the program and find out more information on creating an account and downloading the official app. 
 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor and its Office of Inspector General today announced the recovery of $512,138,478 in fraudulent CARES Act funds to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This marks the second major recovery from the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance, bringing the total of funds recovered from the state to more than $1 billion. 

“Today’s return of hard-earned American taxpayer dollars represents more than a financial recovery – it reinforces our commitment to protecting American workers and the programs they depend on,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “This result was made possible through close coordination with the department’s Office of Inspector General. Together, we are restoring trust and integrity in these programs and putting money back where it belongs – in the pockets of hardworking Americans.”

These recoveries are the direct result of the Maryland Department of Labor’s continued efforts to strengthen program integrity and combat fraud. Working with a financial institution, Maryland was able to identify and freeze the suspicious funds that were flagged by the department’s Office of Inspector General and Employment and Training Administration. 

“This is accountability in action – half a billion dollars in stolen taxpayer funds – identified, frozen, and returned to the Treasury. Through continued collaboration with the department and Acting Secretary Sonderling, we were able to produce real, measurable results for the American people,” said Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito. “This recovery represents a major victory for the American taxpayer and is a clear demonstration of our commitment to clawing back every stolen dollar.”

For additional information on the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, please visit oig.dol.gov. If you suspect wrongdoing involving Department of Labor programs or operations, contact 800-347-3756 or oig.dol.gov/hotlinecontact.htm.

WASHINGTON – Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling issued formal letters to the governors of 53 U.S. states and territories today, demanding immediate action to combat fraud, waste, and abuse within the unemployment insurance program. 

In the letters, the department announced its intent to crack down on rampant fraud and end mismanagement, improper payments, and corruption within the UI program. Acting Secretary Sonderling notified states that, in partnership with the Office of the Inspector General, the department will use every available enforcement tool—including withholding administrative funds from states for the first time in history—to ensure compliance in protecting UI system integrity and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. 

“We are officially putting governors on notice,” said Acting Secretary Sonderling. “The American people will no longer tolerate the blatant waste, fraud, and abuse of their hard-earned tax dollars — no state should allow it either. If states allow it, they will suffer the consequences. This department is no longer afraid to use every lever available to ensure taxpayer money is protected.” 

Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito added, “The days of excuses are over. States that fail to protect taxpayer dollars should expect consequences. Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and I will use every available enforcement tool to demand accountability, recover stolen money, and ensure unemployment benefits only go to eligible Americans.” 

In the letters, Acting Secretary Sonderling, a member of President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance, detailed how years of failed oversight, outdated technology, weak identity verification, and lax controls allowed unprecedented fraud to flourish.

Among the most glaring examples: 

• California – More than $20 billion in debt to the federal government after years of fraud, improper payments, and mismanagement of its UI system.
• New York – Losing an estimated $2 million every day to fraud and improper payments, while posting one of the highest improper payment rates in the nation, exceeding 20%.
• Illinois – Improperly paying out more than $320 million in taxpayer funds at a rate of more than 14%, one of the highest improper payment rates in the nation. 

The Department of Labor is committed to rooting out fraud, enforcing UI eligibility requirements, and protecting American taxpayers. States that fail to safeguard these programs jeopardize benefits intended for hardworking Americans who demonstrate a legitimate need for temporary assistance. 

Additional guidance and directives will be issued to the states in the coming weeks. 

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling issued the following statement regarding the May 2026 Employment Situation Report:

“President Trump and this Administration once again produced the best month of job creation since taking office, demolishing economists’ expectations. This Administration is proving the cynics wrong and American workers, families, and businesses are winning.

The May Jobs Report overperformed on every level, adding 172,000 jobs and marking the third consecutive month of positive payroll growth. Thanks to President Trump, manufacturing jobs are up 25,000 in 2026 and construction jobs have increased by 71,000 since he took office – a true testament to this Administration’s priorities.

Under the President’s leadership, American workers are seeing benefits in real time: rising wages, increased affordability, and over 903,000 private sector jobs added. The Department of Labor remains committed to advancing a bold, pro-worker agenda and will continue delivering for the American people.” 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor and its Office of Inspector General today announced they have jointly issued formal letters demanding that financial institutions immediately preserve funds held in prepaid debit card accounts linked to fraudulent unemployment insurance claims issued across many states during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 In a letter, Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and Inspector General Anthony P. D'Esposito called on the financial institutions to freeze all identified accounts through December 31, 2026, while federal investigators work to recover potentially fraudulent funds tied to pandemic-era UI schemes. The action, in coordination with President Donald J. Trump’s White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, seeks to prevent stolen taxpayer dollars from disappearing through state unclaimed property processes known as escheatment.

 “During the pandemic, criminals and bad actors exploited weaknesses to steal billions of dollars from the American people,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we have made it clear that those days are over. We are working with Vice President Vance to ensure we use every tool at our disposal to track down stolen funds, hold fraudsters accountable, and return money to the taxpayers to ensure this program is used as intended.”

 “Our office has already issued alert memoranda sounding the alarm, and the time for excuses is over. Every dollar lost through delay or inaction is taxpayer money handed directly to fraudsters. We will pursue every avenue to recover these funds, and we will not allow bureaucrats or criminals to run out the clock,” said Inspector General Anthony P. D'Esposito. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment insurance programs experienced an unprecedented surge in fraudulent claims. Bad actors exploited program vulnerabilities to collect benefits they were never entitled to, in many cases through prepaid debit card accounts administered by financial institutions on behalf of state workforce agencies. Some of those funds remain dormant in accounts that, under normal circumstances, would soon be transferred to state unclaimed property agencies – a process that would make them significantly harder or impossible to recover.

To prevent that outcome, the department and its OIG are requesting that the financial institutions:

• Freeze and preserve all accounts identified in a confidential attachment through Dec. 31, 2026.
• Cooperate proactively with federal investigators to keep funds identifiable and recoverable.
• Coordinate directly with the department and its OIG on compliance and preservation efforts.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor and its Office of Inspector General has announced a partnership in furtherance of President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order, “Establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.” 

Under the leadership of Vice President JD Vance, the department and the OIG will work together to safeguard American taxpayers and address widespread fraud and performance concerns related to the unemployment insurance programs administered across the country. 

“Unemployment-insurance systems nationwide face significant financial and performance failures. For too long, these problems have gone unchallenged. That ends now,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “The Department of Labor is working alongside OIG agents to investigate potential fraud and misuse. Our mission is clear: Restore accountability and safeguard workers and taxpayers.”

This multi-agency partnership within the department demonstrates an unparalleled level of collaboration with the OIG with department program offices and its independent watchdog working shoulder-to-shoulder to stop fraud before taxpayer dollars are put at risk. 

“We’re taking a proactive approach by working directly with the strike teams deployed by the department’s Employment and Training Administration – providing data and analytical capabilities and support, placing investigators at the front lines where the threat begins. Together with the acting secretary, we are committed to a zero-tolerance mission: ensuring not one fraudulent dollar leaves the building,” said U.S. Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito.

“This partnership gives us a direct line to Vice President Vance’s ‘Task Force to Eliminate Fraud,’ supercharging our investigations and prosecutions to deliver faster, stronger justice and put fraudsters behind bars,” D’Esposito added.

Acting Secretary Sonderling and Inspector General D’Esposito both serve on the “Task Force to Eliminate Fraud,” which is committed to fighting fraud, closing loopholes, enforcing eligibility rules, and protecting benefits for eligible Americans, while ensuring states administering unemployment insurance benefits do the same. 

“Acting Secretary Sonderling and Inspector General D’Esposito are invaluable partners. Today’s announcement is a critical step toward stopping the theft from American taxpayers,” said Task Force Executive Director Scott Brady. 

The resources and executive commitment dedicated by President Trump and Vice President Vance significantly enhance the resources provided to the DOL Office of Unemployment Insurance within ETA and the investigative capacity of OIG, ensuring those who exploit federal benefit programs are held accountable under the law.

Some of the most problematic state unemployment-insurance programs include California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. These six states combined are responsible for paying out nearly $19 billion annually in unemployment-insurance benefits. 

In fiscal year 2025 alone, these six states issued more than $2.6 billion in improper unemployment-insurance benefits, including over $1.2 billion in fraudulent payments. Additionally, in fiscal year 2025, California, Massachusetts, and New York topped the list of states with the most fraud exposure.