WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor took a range of actions to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.

Reopening America’s Economy:

• Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia on Strong Economic Data – Secretary Scalia issued a statement regarding the strong economic data released Thursday: “This morning’s economic news shows sustained momentum and confirms that our nation is bouncing back from the coronavirus pandemic faster than predicted.”

• Secretary Scalia traveled to Minnesota, Missouri, and Michigan to highlight workforce development – Secretary Scalia joined Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) in Le Center, Minnesota where they toured the candy-making company Maud Borup.  Secretary Scalia then traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, where he discussed President Trump’s continued efforts to safely reopen the economy and strengthen America’s workforce with local business leaders, and discussed apprenticeships with workers and company executives at Seyer Industries.  Secretary Scalia ended the trip talking about USMCA and the economy with workers and executives at Atlas Tube in Detroit.

Keeping America’s Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Announces $2,025,431 In Coronavirus Violations – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Oct. 22, 2020, OSHA has cited 144 establishments for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $2,025,431.

• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Respiratory Protection Guidance For Long-Term Care Facilities During the Coronavirus Pandemic – OSHA has issued respiratory protection guidance focused on protecting workers in nursing homes, assisted living and other long-term care facilities from occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus.

Defending Workers’ Rights to Paid Leave and Wages Earned:

• The Wage and Hour Division has concluded more than 3,000 cases under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), finding over $2.7 million in back wages due for workers and hundreds of cases remain open.  At the same time, the agency has conducted over 2,400 outreach events related to FFCRA.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Labor is focused on protecting the safety and health of American workers, assisting our state partners as they deliver traditional unemployment and expanded unemployment benefits, ensuring Americans know their rights to new paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave, providing guidance and assistance to employers, and carrying out the mission of the Department.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Detroit, Michigan, where he visited Atlas Tube to meet with company leadership and employees to discuss the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the nation’s continued economic recovery. Secretary Scalia toured the facility at Atlas Tube and spoke with employees, discussing workforce safety and the expansion of manufacturing opportunities.

“I was pleased to visit and learn more about Atlas Tube and the important steelwork that they are doing in Michigan,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Manufacturing is essential to our economic recovery and helping get Americans back to work. Smart, pro-business policies including tax cuts, deregulation, and fair and reciprocal trade deals like the USMCA will help power Michigan’s economy as we continue to rebound.”

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Oct. 29, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, where he highlighted President Trump’s continued efforts to safely reopen the economy and strengthen America’s workforce. Secretary Scalia participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the St. Louis Regional Chamber of Commerce with local business leaders from Missouri and Illinois, discussing the current strong economic rebound and highlighting apprenticeships as a way to build a skilled labor force. Today, Secretary Scalia visited Seyer Industries in St. Charles where he toured the company and met with company leadership and apprentices.

“Business leaders in St. Louis recognize the importance of training a skilled workforce as the country continues to rebound economically,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “I spoke to business leaders about their efforts to help workers learn new skills and get back to work quickly. Workforce development, along with fair and reciprocal trade deals like the USMCA and eliminating unneeded regulatory burdens, will help Missouri’s economy continue to power out of the economic disruption of the pandemic.”

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Le Center, Minnesota, where he joined Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) to highlight safely re-opening America’s economy. Secretary Scalia and the Congressman toured the candy-making company Maud Borup, where they met with employees and company leadership. The Secretary then participated in a roundtable with the Congressman and local Minnesota business leaders.

“I was pleased to visit Minnesota and speak with workers and business owners who are working hard to rebuild our economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “The President’s actions to lower taxes, knock down unnecessary regulatory barriers, and negotiate fair and reciprocal trade agreements will be key contributors to the continuing economic recovery in Minnesota and across the country. I would like to thank Congressman Hagedorn for joining me today and for being a valuable partner in rebuilding Minnesota’s economy.”

"With today's news of record-breaking GDP growth, it is clear the tax cutting, deregulating, U.S. energy independence, and free and fair trade policies I support with the Trump administration are working for the American people,” said Congressman Jim Hagedorn. “And it was great to be able to discuss how we can continue to promote economic opportunity and job growth with Secretary Scalia and small business leaders in southern Minnesota today. I look forward to continue working with the Secretary and his team on behalf of American workers and families."   

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement regarding the strong economic data released today:

“This morning’s economic news shows sustained momentum and confirms that our nation is bouncing back from the coronavirus pandemic faster than predicted. 

“In the third quarter of 2020, real GDP grew at an annual rate of 33.1 percent, greatly surpassing the previous record for quarterly growth set in 1950. Total unemployment insurance claims in early October fell by more than 400,000, meaning that nearly 3.4 million people have come off of unemployment in September and early October. Since the peak unemployment in April, we’ve added back nearly 11.5 million jobs and have seen the unemployment rate fall nearly seven points.  Last week, we learned that 34 States had an unemployment rate below eight percent in September. Real Personal Consumption Expenditures grew at a 70-year record rate in the third quarter. Other economic indicators are also strong, with durable goods orders increasing last month and existing home sales and permits for new homes climbing at rates not seen in more than a decade. 

“Our continued efforts to fight the virus, develop a vaccine, and support Americans who remain out of work will help us rebuild our economy stronger than ever.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement on International Religious Freedom Day:

“Today’s commemoration of International Religious Freedom Day reminds us that Americans can be deeply grateful to live in a nation where religious freedom is rooted in our founding ideals and protected by the law of the land. Today is also a reminder that many people around the world do not enjoy the freedom to practice their faith, but instead face persecution for their religious beliefs.

We particularly recognize the Uyghur Muslims and other religious and ethnic minorities in China who have been forced into state-sponsored labor and re-education camps by the Chinese Communist Party. Last month, the Department of Labor took steps to combat these exploitive labor practices by releasing its biennial list of goods produced under conditions of forced labor. China topped the list at 17 goods – four more than any other country. The list we published, and the Department’s “Comply Chain” and “Sweat & Toil” smartphone apps, help governments, companies, and consumers fight back against abusive labor practices and, by doing so, protect individuals impressed into forced and child labor because of their religious beliefs.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor took a range of actions to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.

Reopening America’s Economy:

• Statement by Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration John Pallasch on Weekly Unemployment Claims – Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration John Pallasch issued the following statement regarding Weekly Unemployment Claims: “As Americans continue to return to work, today’s report showed a huge decrease of one million individuals coming off of unemployment insurance rolls. The four week average initial weekly claim numbers, which takes out much of the volatility of weekly claims, hit the lowest point since the start of the pandemic.”

Keeping America’s Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Announces $1,603,544 In Coronavirus Violations – OSHA has cited 112 establishments for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $1,603,544. 

• Keeping workplaces safe during COVID-19 – Read OSHA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren Sweatt’s op-ed about keeping America’s workers safe.

• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Frequently Asked Question and Answer Confirming N95 Respirators Protect Against the Coronavirus – OSHA has published a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on how N95 respirators effectively protect wearers from coronavirus exposure.

Defending Workers’ Rights to Paid Leave and Wages Earned:

• Leavenworth County, Kansas to Pay Back Wages to Employee Wrongly Denied Paid Leave for Coronavirus-Related School Closure – Leavenworth County, Kansas has agreed to pay an employee $4,998 in back wages after the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) determined the employer wrongly denied the employee’s request for paid leave to care for their child whose school closed amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Wage and Hour Division found the employer also wrongly terminated the employee for allegedly misrepresenting their spouse’s ability to care for the child during the school closure.

• Wichita, Kansas, Best Western Pays 13 Employees Back Wages After Wrongly Denying Paid Sick Leave for Required Coronavirus Quarantine – After an investigation by the Wage and Hour Division, a hotel based in Wichita, Kansas has paid $5,693 in back wages for wrongly denying paid sick leave to 13 employees required to quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus.

• Montana Company Pays Back Wages to Employee Wrongly Denied Paid Sick Leave After Doctor Ordered Coronavirus-Related Quarantine – The operator of a Plentywood, Montana, facility for people with disabilities has paid $1,600 in back wages to an employee after the employer wrongly denied emergency paid sick leave despite the employee being advised by her healthcare provider to quarantine due to concerns related to the coronavirus, a violation of provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Labor is focused on protecting the safety and health of American workers, assisting our state partners as they deliver traditional unemployment and expanded unemployment benefits, ensuring Americans know their rights to new paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave, providing guidance and assistance to employers, and carrying out the mission of the Department.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor took a range of actions to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.

Reopening America’s Economy:

• U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia Highlights Workforce Development in Pennsylvania – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he joined Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) and Congressman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (PA-15) to highlight workforce development at JWF Industries, where they met with company leadership and apprentices. Secretary Scalia then traveled to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania where he visited the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors to meet with apprentices. “Apprenticeships play a key role in getting Americans back to work. The President’s actions to expand these programs, along with pro-business policies such as tax cuts, deregulation, and fair and reciprocal trade agreements will bolster our economic recovery,” said Secretary Scalia.

Keeping America’s Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Announces $1,222,156 In Coronavirus Violations – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Oct. 8, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited 85 establishments for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $1,222,156.

Defending Workers’ Rights to Paid Leave and Wages Earned:

• Atlanta Condominium Management Company Pays Back Wages to Employee Denied Paid Sick Leave to Care for Child after Daycare Closed Due to Coronavirus Pandemic – A condominium company – based in Atlanta, Georgia – has paid $1,153 in back wages to an employee after wrongly denied emergency paid sick leave to the employee, who was unable to work while caring for a child when the family’s day care facility closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Labor is focused on protecting the safety and health of American workers, assisting our state partners as they deliver traditional unemployment and expanded unemployment benefits, ensuring Americans know their rights to new paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave, providing guidance and assistance to employers, and carrying out the mission of the Department.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor released the following statement:

This afternoon, doctors confirmed that U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia’s wife, Trish, tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Mrs. Scalia is experiencing mild symptoms but doing well. This evening, Secretary Scalia received a test and the results were negative; he has experienced no symptoms. The Secretary and Mrs. Scalia will follow the advice of health professionals for Trish’s recovery and the health of those around them. For the time being, the Secretary will work from home while continuing to carry out the mission of the Department and the President’s agenda. 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where he visited the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors to meet with apprentices. Earlier in the day, Secretary Scalia joined Congressmen John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) and Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (PA-15) at JWF Industries in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to highlight workforce development and economic recovery.

“I was pleased to visit and learn more today about the Independent Electrical Contractors’ work to help men and women develop the skills needed to secure high-paying jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Apprenticeships are a necessary tool to power through our economic recovery and get Americans back to work.”

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.