WASHINGTON, DC – Today, 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 through apprenticeships. Secretary Scalia and the congressmen toured JWF Industries and met with company leadership and apprentices.

“I am always encouraged to see businesses using apprenticeships to equip workers with skills that lead to good paying jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “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. I would like to thank Congressmen Joyce and Thompson for joining me today and being valuable partners in rebuilding Pennsylvania’s economy.”

“It was a pleasure to welcome Secretary Scalia to JWF Industries today to showcase a true manufacturing powerhouse right here in Johnstown," said Congressman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson. "Workforce development is critically important to the resiliency of our community, our economy, and our national supply chain, and I'm grateful for the role that JWF Industries plays in creating job opportunities in our region.”

“It was an honor to welcome Secretary Scalia to Johnstown to witness firsthand the incredible drive and commitment of our workforce. JWF Industries is a shining example of America’s manufacturing excellence,” said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “The JWF team is part of the long tradition of dedicated Pennsylvanians who have built our nation and forged our defenses. By investing in workers and creating defense jobs in Johnstown, JWF is producing benefits for our community, our economy, and for our nation. As he visits Pennsylvania, I thank Secretary Scalia for his partnership and commitment to create American jobs for American workers.”

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 Steubenville, Ohio, where he delivered remarks at Franciscan University of Steubenville to commemorate Columbus Day as well as America’s national heritage.

The speech included the following excerpts:

“Through the centuries, Columbus came to represent the spirit of adventure and discovery that we associate with America—our faith in our capacity to seek and find something new and better.  We have many heroes who personify our political ideals, but no figure so associated with the questing, the entrepreneurialism, the hope in the new that is part of the American spirit.  No other figure so represents our aspiration to make, here in this country, something new and better than the oppression and rigidity associated with that Old World.”

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“Back in the 19th century, in the face of sharp hostility associated with religion and national origin, Columbus became a powerful symbol of the claim of Italian, Irish, and other Catholic immigrants that they were fully American.  The nation’s Protestant elite proudly claimed forebears among the sons and daughters of the Revolution; Columbus was an equally proud answer that Italians and Catholics, also, had roots in the nation’s founding and a claim to be fully American.”

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“Columbus Day was first set aside to embrace this country’s diversity and welcome all citizens into the American polity, regardless of creed or national origin.  Our nation did not establish Columbus Day to commemorate oppression or discrimination, we established Columbus Day to overcome it.”

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“The failings of great men and women should remind us of human frailty—and of our own.  Their failings counsel our own humility.  They do not counsel condemning, today, people of another era who—in their imperfect, fallibly human way—built the extraordinary land of freedom and opportunity that we are fortunate to enjoy.”

***

Addressing President Trump’s Executive Order 13950, “Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping,” Secretary Scalia said:

“I should be clear about what the President’s new Order does not do.  It does not prohibit workplace training about non-discrimination and equal opportunity—that training is important, the Labor Department encourages it, and in some instances we require it.  Nor does the Order prohibit the diversity training offered by countless American employers; training that, like my remarks today, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value and worth of people of all races and creeds.  American employers should value diversity and take extra strides to assure opportunity for those who in the past have been denied it—although they must do so in a way that does not discriminate against others based on race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics.  Finally, the President’s Order does not prohibit trainings about pre-conceptions or biases that people may have—regardless of their race or sex—about people who are different, and which could cause slights or even discrimination that’s not intended. What the Order does prohibit, though, is instruction in which federal contractors tell workers that because of their particular race or sex, they are racist, morally culpable, or less worthy of being heard.”

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“Let me say a few words about a particular kind of inclusiveness – and a particular kind of discrimination – that were on people’s minds that first Columbus Day, and which remain a subject worthy of reflection today. That is respect for people of different faiths, including Catholics’ right to live their faith while participating fully and equally in American civic life.”

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“Let’s not cancel Columbus Day while some in high office are still internalizing its message of religious inclusiveness.”

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“So today, Columbus Day, we reflect on the thrill of discovery of a New World, and the opportunity it presented to “make the world anew,” freed from the religious wars, hereditary monarchies, and class restrictions that burdened the Old World.  The hope, the optimism, the capacity for change in a New World are part of our heritage as Americans.  When Columbus set sail to that New World, he set us all on course to a better world.  We should never forget that.”

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“But we do not continue on the path the Founding Fathers charted by abandoning Columbus Day. Rather, we become better Americans by using this day to recall the newness, novelty and promise of this great nation, and how welcoming those different from us has not always come easily in America, but has been one of our greatest sources of strength.”

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Read the full text of Secretary Scalia’s Columbus Day speech.

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 And Economic Recovery During Visit to Miami, Florida – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Miami, Florida, where he visited Miami Dade College’s Medical Campus and participated in a roundtable conversation with college leadership and Miami business leaders to discuss the Administration’s efforts to train American workers for valuable careers in healthcare. Following the roundtable, Secretary Scalia toured the campus, observed some of the educational programs and spoke with students. 

Keeping America’s Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Announces $913,133 In Coronavirus Violations – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Oct. 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited 62 establishments for violations, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $913,133. 

Defending Workers’ Rights to Paid Leave and Wages Earned:

• Panama City Landscaping Company Pays Back Wages to Employee Wrongly Denied Paid Sick Leave After Coronavirus Diagnosis – A Panama City, Florida-based landscaping company has paid $1,200 in back wages after wrongly denying emergency paid sick leave to an employee who self-quarantined after receiving a coronavirus diagnosis.

• Healthcare Staffing Company Pays More Than $3 Million in Back Wages After Missing Payroll for Employees Conducting Coronavirus Testing – An Overland Park, Kansas staffing company has paid $3,068,859 in back wages to 1,677 contract employees hired to conduct coronavirus testing in Orlando, Florida, under terms of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.

• Alabama Janitorial Company Pays Back Wages to Employee Denied Paid Family Leave to Care for Children Learning Virtually During Pandemic – A janitorial services company based in Bessemer, Alabama  has paid $2,066 in back wages after the employer wrongly denied paid leave under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act to an employee who missed work to care for children engaged in distance learning. The children’s school was closed for in-person learning 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 – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Miami, Florida, where he visited Miami Dade College’s Medical Campus and participated in a roundtable conversation with college leadership and Miami business leaders to discuss the Administration’s efforts to train American workers for valuable careers in healthcare. Following the roundtable, Secretary Scalia toured the campus, observed some of the educational programs and spoke with students. 

“I always gain valuable insight from educators and students when I visit college campuses, and that was the case today in my visit to Miami Dade College,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Our fight against the coronavirus has highlighted the importance of training the next generation of workers in healthcare careers. We’re rebuilding Florida’s economy, and the nation’s, at a record rate because of the President’s actions before the pandemic to expand apprenticeships, cut taxes, knock down unnecessary regulatory barriers, and implement strong trade agreements like the USMCA.”

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:

• Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia on the September Jobs Report – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement on the September 2020 Employment Situation Report:  “Today’s report shows 877,000 private-sector jobs added back in September, and an additional 145,000 jobs from July and August. However, the report reflects a seasonally-adjusted loss of 350,000 jobs in public and private education. Large gains were made in lower-wage jobs in retail and leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing added 66,000 jobs, its largest increase since June. More than half the jobs lost from the pandemic have now been restored, and the third quarter ended with a 7.9 percent unemployment rate, half the 15.8 percent third quarter unemployment rate projected by the Congressional Budget Office in May.”

• U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia Highlights Economic Recovery in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York – “These two days of travel along Lake Erie have given me opportunities to witness the determination and resilience of American workers and business owners. President Trump’s policy decisions before and during the pandemic, which included tax cuts, deregulation, and reciprocal trade agreements like the USMCA, positioned us for a strong economic recovery.”

• U.S. Department of Labor Awards $118 Million In Dislocated Worker Grants to Address the Coronavirus – The U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of additional funding for 15 Dislocated Worker Grants totaling $118,034,389 to help address the workforce-related impacts of the coronavirus public health emergency. This additional funding is being provided using the Dislocated Worker Grant National Reserve Funds.

Keeping America’s Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Reporting Work-Related Cases of the Coronavirus – OSHA has published additional frequently asked questions and answers regarding the need to report employees’ in-patient hospitalizations and fatalities resulting from work-related cases of the coronavirus.

• U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Announces $484,069 In Coronavirus Violations – OSHA has cited 37 establishments for violations, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $484,069.

• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Guidance for Using Tight-Fitting Powered Air Purifying Respirators Amid Coronavirus Pandemic – OSHA has issued temporary guidance for enforcing initial and annual fit-testing requirements related to tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators. The action marks the Department’s latest step to ensure the availability of respirators and follows President Donald J. Trump’s Memorandum on Making General Use Respirators Available. 

Defending Workers’ Rights to Paid Leave and Wages Earned:

• Sleep Product Manufacturer Pays Back Wages to Tennessee Employee Wrongly Denied Paid Sick Leave After Coronavirus Diagnosis – A Columbus, Ohio-based sleep product manufacturer has paid $868 in back wages after wrongly denying emergency paid sick leave to an employee at its Gallatin, Tennessee, location who self-quarantined after receiving a coronavirus diagnosis.

• Georgia Home Security Company Pays Back Wages to Employee Wrongly Denied Paid Sick Leave After Coronavirus Diagnosis – A Covington, Georgia-based home security company has paid $1,153 in back wages after wrongly denying emergency paid sick leave to an employee who self-quarantined after receiving a coronavirus diagnosis.

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 – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement on the September 2020 Employment Situation Report:

“Today’s report shows 877,000 private-sector jobs added back in September, and an additional 145,000 jobs from July and August. However, the report reflects a seasonally-adjusted loss of 350,000 jobs in public and private education. Large gains were made in lower-wage jobs in retail and leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing added 66,000 jobs, its largest increase since June. 

“More than half the jobs lost from the pandemic have now been restored, and the third quarter ended with a 7.9 percent unemployment rate, half the15.8 percent third quarter unemployment rate projected by the Congressional Budget Office in May.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Buffalo, New York, where he met with local business and community leaders during a roundtable discussion on safely reopening the nation’s economy. Buffalo was the final stop in Secretary Scalia’s three-city tour, which included Cleveland, Ohio, and Erie, Pennsylvania, where he highlighted the Administration’s efforts to get Americans back to work safely.

“These two days of travel along Lake Erie have given me opportunities to witness the determination and resilience of American workers and business owners,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “President Trump’s policy decisions before and during the pandemic, which included tax cuts, deregulation, and reciprocal trade agreements like the USMCA, positioned us for a strong economic recovery. I was encouraged to hear from local leaders in Buffalo about the steps they’ve taken to safely re-open.”

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 traveled to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he highlighted the Administration’s efforts to support the nation’s workforce during the coronavirus pandemic. The Secretary first visited PHB Inc., a fully integrated supplier of die casting parts, where he toured the facility and met with company leadership, employees and apprentices.

Today, Secretary Scalia also announced $29 million in grants, in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), through the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) program. WORC grants provide support for workforce development efforts that align with the existing economic development strategies in rural communities facing economic challenges. The grants help provide sustainable job opportunities for workers and long-term economic vitality for communities.

“The grants announced today reflect the commitment of President Trump and his Administration to job growth and opportunities in America’s rural communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “I’d like to congratulate the University of Pittsburgh, which was awarded more than $1 million in WORC grant funding to develop certificate programs to train workers in northwestern Pennsylvania to fill critical healthcare and manufacturing roles.”

“I was pleased to spend the morning speaking to organizations and employers in Erie County that play an important role in training Pennsylvania’s future workforce and building the region’s economy,” Secretary Scalia continued. “I also had the chance to visit PHB Incorporated during my visit to Erie, where I learned about their efforts to develop a skilled workforce through apprenticeships.”

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 Cleveland, Ohio, to discuss the economic recovery during the coronavirus pandemic. Secretary Scalia toured Fredon and met with company leadership, employees and apprentices to discuss economic recovery and building a stronger workforce through apprenticeships.

“I’d like to thank the Fredon Corporation for allowing me to visit today and for the informative discussions I had with apprentices, workers, and company leadership,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Employers across the nation are increasingly relying on apprenticeship programs to give workers the skills needed to contribute to our nation’s economic comeback. President Trump’s actions will also be crucial to powering our economy out of the pandemic. His decisions to expand apprenticeship programs, cut taxes, roll back unnecessary regulatory requirements, and to implement fair and reciprocal trade agreements like the USMCA will help us rebuild our economy stronger than before.”

“I was honored to welcome Secretary Scalia to the Buckeye State and show him the best of what Ohio manufacturing has to offer,” said Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14). “As someone who has long supported policies to strengthen workforce training and close the skills gap, I’m proud that many of our manufacturers here in Northeast Ohio, like Fredon, focus on recruiting and inspiring the next generation of workers. I thank the Secretary for taking the time to meet with the hardworking team at Fredon today – including their high school apprentices – and look forward to continuing to support his efforts to boost apprenticeships and enhance employment opportunities for workers during these challenging times.”

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 Economic Reopening and Apprenticeship Announcement in Greensboro, North Carolina – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina to discuss the economic recovery during the coronavirus pandemic. Secretary Scalia toured Machine Specialties, Inc. and met with company leadership, employees, and apprentices to discuss economic recovery and building a stronger workforce through apprenticeships.

• U.S. Department of Labor Announces Phased Reopening Of Job Corps Campuses – Students will return to Job Corps centers in a phased approach based on guidance from the CDC and the OSHA, supplemented by recommendations from state and local health officials, and the recommendations of the health consultants who work with Job Corps.

• U.S. Department of Labor Announces First Group of Standards Recognition Entities for Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs – As a critical part of the Administration’s efforts to expand access to in-demand job opportunities, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that it has recognized an initial 18 organizations as Standards Recognition Entities to oversee the development of high-quality Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.

Defending Workers’ Rights to Paid Leave and Wages Earned:

• Mobile, Alabama, Franchisee Pays Back Wages to Seven Workers After Wrongly Denying Paid Sick Leave Amid Coronavirus Pandemic – The operator of a franchise in Mobile, Alabama, has paid back wages to seven employees after wrongly denying them emergency paid sick leave. The seven employees took leave while some sought medical diagnosis for suspected coronavirus infection and others followed orders to self-quarantine due to coronavirus exposure at the workplace.

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.