WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania, where he joined Rep. Fred Keller (PA-12) for a tour of Conestoga Wood Specialties and a meeting with employees and leadership to discuss workplace safety and reopening the economy. Earlier in the day, Secretary Scalia joined Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza and Rep. Scott Perry (PA-10) in Camp Hill for a roundtable discussion with women small business owners on safely reopening the economy.

“Whether they are working in essential industries, working from home, reopening a business, or returning to the workplace, what I hear from Americans, including those here in Pennsylvania, is that they’re excited for our economy to be safely up-and-running again,” said U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia. “America is turning a corner against the virus, and the Department remains focused on protecting workers and helping them transition back to employment.”

“I thank Secretary Scalia for coming to Snyder County today and seeing the outstanding work that is being done at Conestoga Wood Specialties,” said Keller. “Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump and his administration, we have been able to flatten the curve, build health care capacity, and create the conditions needed for our economy to transition to greatness. I appreciate Secretary Scalia taking the time to meet with workers and share the positive economic outlook for Pennsylvania and the rest of the country as we swiftly and safely reopen our economy.”

Secretary Scalia highlighted President Trump’s swift and comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s continued work providing relevant guidance to employers as they meet their duty to protect employees from the coronavirus.

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 delivered remarks at an event on June 15, 2020, featuring the launch of the final report of the Heritage Foundation’s National Coronavirus Recovery Commission.

The speech included the following excerpts:

“At the start of this year, Americans enjoyed a record-setting economy – though it wasn’t the economy the Congressional Budget Office had predicted back in the summer of 2016. Back then, the CBO said that by February of this year, we’d have an unemployment rate of 5% and we’d have created 1.9 million jobs. In fact, in February unemployment was 3.5% and our economy had created not 1.9 million jobs, but 7 million jobs since January 2017. Wage growth had been at or above 3% for 19 straight months.

“And as President Trump said in his State of the Union address, this was a ’blue collar boom.’ Workers in the bottom 10% of income saw higher average wage growth than those in the top 10%. By January 2020, low income earners had seen a 15 percent pay increase since the President took office.”

“At the heart of those policies should be recognition that the single best thing for American workers is creating conditions for a vibrant economy. We don’t have to look far to see that’s true, and to see what those policies are. We just have to look back to February of this year.”

“Four months ago, unemployment was at 3.5 percent, wages were rising, and were rising faster for lower-wage workers. Since 2018, there had been more vacant jobs than Americans looking for jobs: In February, there were 1.2 million more vacancies than workers looking for jobs. When I spoke to business people, the concern they mentioned most often was finding skilled workers they could hire to sustain growth. The labor market was a seller’s market. It was a worker’s market.”

“Many good things came from that. Perhaps the best – and I know the President joins me in this – was it provided more opportunity for Americans who historically had less. African-American unemployment was at an all-time low in the Trump economy, and the poverty rate among African-Americans was the lowest ever recorded, in records going back to the 1960s. In the words of a Wall Street Journal news story last week, pre-coronavirus we had ‘the best African-American job market on record.’ We also saw record-low unemployment for Hispanic-Americans, Asian-Americans, and for workers who don’t have a high school degree. Unemployment for adult women hit a 67-year record low.”

“The last three months have been a period of exceptional and essential government intervention. With the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act, President Trump and the Congress enacted a swift, sweeping, bi-partisan plan for protecting American workers and our economy from the measures necessitated by the coronavirus. There is now discussion of a possible final bill later this summer.”

“The Senate Minority Leader has described his ambitions for an additional bill as “Rooseveltian.” For me, the statement called to mind two monumental statues from the New Deal outside the Federal Trade Commission. On each, a powerfully-built horse is straining to charge forward, but is being held back by a giant, musclebound man. The statues are titled “Man Controlling Trade.” I still recall, as a boy, driving by with my father and him commenting, ruefully, that the statues showed, in his words, “government restraining the beast of free trade.” I was young, but understood my father to be expressing some skepticism that trade is actually such a terrible beast. Now, with hindsight and understanding the view of the Constitution of the man who became Justice Scalia, I appreciate that there was more to his comment: The Founders of this country were principally concerned to restrain government, not with creating a hulking government to restrain free enterprise.”

“The genius of our Constitution is the autonomy it allows the people, and the ways it checks and limits government so that private individuals and institutions may thrive. A number of restraints by the government are essential, of course; so are government relief programs. But for all we’ve been forced to ask the government to do recently, we must not mistake government programs for the economic growth and opportunity that come only from the private sector. And we must not forget that it was limiting government, not expanding it, that delivered the extraordinary prosperity we enjoyed so recently, and to which we all want to return.”

The full text of the speech can be read here.

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 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Reopening America’s Economy:

• Secretary Scalia Participates in Senate Finance Committee Hearing – On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia delivered testimony and responded to questions from the U.S. Senate Finance Committee regarding the Department’s work with States on unemployment insurance. Secretary Scalia engaged Senators on the importance of getting back to work those Americans who have been temporarily unemployed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

• Secretary Scalia Joins Vice President Pence for Coronavirus Task Force Call with Governors – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia joined Vice President Mike Pence and the White House Coronavirus Task Force for a discussion with the chief executives of approximately 50 States, territories, and the City of Washington, D.C. to provide an update on local, State and Federal COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

Keeping America’s Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor Statement on D.C. Circuit Court Ruling – Solicitor of Labor Kate O’Scannlain and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Loren Sweatt issued the following statement regarding the D.C. Circuit Court ruling in re: “American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, No. 20-1158:” “We are pleased with the decision from the D.C. Circuit, which agreed that OSHA reasonably determined that its existing statutory and regulatory tools are protecting America’s workers and that an emergency temporary standard is not necessary at this time. OSHA will continue to enforce the law and offer guidance to employers and employees to keep America’s workplaces safe.”

• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Face Coverings, Surgical Masks and Respirators in the Workplace – “As our economy reopens for business, millions of Americans will be wearing masks in their workplace for the first time,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “OSHA is ready to help workers and employers understand how to properly use masks so they can stay safe and healthy in the workplace.”

Helping Unemployed Americans:

• U.S. Department of Labor Awards Nearly $239 Million in Dislocated Worker Grants in Response to Coronavirus Public Health Emergency – The U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of three Dislocated Worker Grants totaling $16,836,480 to help address the workforce-related impacts of the coronavirus public health emergency. This latest award follows five previous waves of funding, bringing the total amount awarded to states and territories to $238,881,438.

Defending Workers’ Rights to Paid Leave and Wages Earned:

• U.S. Department of Labor to Offer Families First Coronavirus Response Act Webinars to Educate Employees and Employers – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division and Occupational Safety and Health Administration will offered multiple webinars this week to educate employers and employees on the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave benefits available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), as well as whistleblower protections.

• Georgia Company Pays Employee Back Wages After Wrongly Denying Emergency Paid Sick Leave in Families First Coronavirus Response Act – A West Point, Georgia, custom machine and fabrication company has paid $1,060 to an employee after the U.S. Department of Labor determined the employer wrongly denied emergency paid sick leave for a qualifying reason covered under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) provisions of the FFCRA.

• Contractor Reinstates, Pays Back Wages to Employee After U.S. Department of Labor Finds Violation of Families First Coronavirus Response Act – The agency determined that a Maryland electrical contractor violated the FFCRA when it denied an employee’s request for paid leave to care for a child when the coronavirus pandemic closed the child’s school. Instead, the company terminated the employee. After contact by the Wage and Hour Division, the contractor reinstated the employee, provided paid leave and agreed to comply with the law in the future.

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 under the CARES Act, 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:

• Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia on the May Jobs Report – “[The Employment Situation Summary] report shows much higher job creation and lower unemployment than expected, reflecting that the re-opening of the economy in May was earlier, and more robust, than projected. Millions of Americans are still out of work, and the Department remains focused on bringing Americans safely back to work and helping States deliver unemployment benefits to those who need them. However, it appears the worst of the coronavirus’s impact on the nation’s job markets is behind us.”

• U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia Highlights Economic Reopening During Visit to North Carolina – “It was great to visit North Carolina [Monday] to hear from those who have been working through this pandemic as well as those who are excited to get back to work,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “I’m encouraged by the careful steps being taken by so many businesses to protect workers and customers as the economy begins to reopen.”

Keeping America’s Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA and CDC Issue Guidance to Help Agriculture Workers during the Coronavirus Pandemic – OSHA issued guidance that includes recommended actions to protect agriculture workers from exposure to the coronavirus. Prevention and control of coronavirus at agricultural worksites, and in shared worker housing and shared transport vehicles, can present unique challenges. Applying specific disease management and prevention measures can help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus among workers on farms, ranches, and other production worksites.

• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Alert to Keep Stockroom And Loading Dock Workers Safe During Coronavirus Pandemic – OSHA has issued an alert listing safety tips employers can follow to protect stockroom and loading dock workers in the retail industry from exposure to the coronavirus.

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 under the CARES Act, 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 May 2020 Employment Situation report:

“Today’s report shows much higher job creation and lower unemployment than expected, reflecting that the re-opening of the economy in May was earlier, and more robust, than projected. Millions of Americans are still out of work, and the Department remains focused on bringing Americans safely back to work and helping States deliver unemployment benefits to those who need them. However, it appears the worst of the coronavirus’s impact on the nation’s job markets is behind us.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement regarding the retirement of Department of Labor Inspector General Scott Dahl.

“For seven years, Scott Dahl has helped improve the integrity and quality of the Department of Labor’s programs. The Department and the people it serves have benefited greatly from his contributions. We wish Scott and his family the very best in the future.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia signed a new Secretary’s Order regarding debt management at the U.S. Department of Labor. The Secretary’s Order will centralize the debt management activities across the Department under the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), while keeping existing mission-driven authorities and activities within the respective agencies. In so doing, the order will enhance both deterrence and the effectiveness of Department programs.

Secretary Scalia said: “With the Office of the Chief Financial Officer playing a larger role in the debt management process, we will better assure that those found to have violated the law make the payments that they owe.  This enhancement will further accountability, deterrence, and payments to workers of moneys owed.”

The project will include the establishment of a new dedicated debt management office within the OCFO; an automated, consolidated, comprehensive debt management IT system; and information sharing between existing departmental case management systems and applicable U.S. Department of Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Services systems, and improved debt management process. Through these increased efforts, the Department anticipates a higher collection rate.

OCFO is responsible for the financial leadership of the Department and upholding strong financial management and accountability. OCFO ensures the Department’s compliance with federal financial integrity legislation, including the Chief Financial Officers’ Act. OCFO delivers timely, accurate, and reliable financial information to decision makers through efficient and effective financial systems and business processes, fosters effective stewardship of public funds, and safeguards fiscal integrity through effective internal controls.

“We owe it to the workers of this country to carry out the mission of the Department,” said Chief Financial Officer James Williams. “Making sure that bad actors are held accountable for their actions is a fundamental aspect of our work. By centralizing debt management in OCFO, the Department is taking additional steps to protect the American worker.”

This Order follows another important management action taken last week, when Deputy Secretary Patrick Pizzella delivered a memo to Chief Judge Stephen Henley of the Office of Administrative Law Judges to ensure that cases are dealt with efficiently and that there is robust public transparency about the status of pending cases.  These two actions follow another recent change intended to improve management and accountability within the Department, the Secretarial Order providing for discretionary review of decisions by the Administrative Review Board and Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals.

Secretary’s Orders are the primary means for formally communicating policies, decisions regarding the distribution and performance of the Department’s business, and delegations of authority and assignment of responsibilities from the Secretary of Labor. The Secretary often issues these orders to ensure the Department’s orderly compliance with Executive Orders and statutory functions and responsibilities.

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 Mooresville, North Carolina, where he joined business leaders for a roundtable discussion on reopening the economy safely. Secretary Scalia also toured a local Lowe’s store, met with frontline employees and discussed the reopening process with Lowe’s leadership team.

“It was great to visit North Carolina today to hear from those who have been working through this pandemic as well as those who are excited to get back to work,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “I’m encouraged by the careful steps being taken by so many businesses to protect workers and customers as the economy begins to reopen.”

During the roundtable discussion, Secretary Scalia highlighted President Trump’s swift and comprehensive response to the coronavirus pandemic and the economic disruption caused by it. He also discussed the Department’s efforts to help states incentivize workers to return to the workplace, as well as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s continued work to provide relevant guidance to employers as they meet their duty to protect employees from coronavirus.

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 today announced that Samantha Thomas, an Associate Regional Solicitor in its Office of the Solicitor, received an Arthur S. Flemming Award for Legal Achievement for her efforts to recover $5,867,536 in back wages for 1,562 coal miners and other mine employees in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Wyoming.

Named in honor of Arthur S. Flemming, who served in government for more than six decades spanning seven administrations, this year’s 71st annual awards honor the accomplishments of 13 employees in agencies across the federal government. Since 1948, the awards have honored outstanding federal employees with three to 15 years of federal service for their exceptional contributions to the federal government. Federal agencies submit their nominations and the Arthur S. Flemming Awards Commission selects recipients through a competitive judging process. The commission partners with the George Washington University Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration to present the awards.

Thomas’s award recognizes her leadership of the Blackjewel litigation team of attorneys and support staff who successfully litigated on behalf of more than 1,562 mining workers whose employer failed to pay them for their work in connection with the mining of 130,000 tons of coal. Thomas was lauded for rapid and strategic litigation decisions as her team pursued injunctive relief under the “hot goods” provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which makes it illegal to ship in interstate commerce goods produced in violation of the minimum wage or overtime provisions of the act.

“Samantha’s leadership and dedication to protecting the welfare of workers is critical to SOL’s success,” said Solicitor of Labor Kate O’Scannlain. “I congratulate her on this well-earned recognition.”

Currently serving in the Arlington Branch Office in the Solicitor’s Philadelphia Regional office, Thomas worked with other departmental offices and agencies over a three-month period as the employer filed for bankruptcy, a buyer asserted its rights to transport the coal, and four cases in litigation proceeded. During the proceedings, the mined coal remained stockpiled and sat in rail cars, and unpaid miners camped out on railroad tracks to ensure the coal stayed put.

In nominating Thomas, the department noted the persistence, quick action, thoroughness and leadership she demonstrated before and throughout the litigation as the driving force behind the case’s swift and successful resolution. She achieved this outstanding result by intensive effort in only three months. Corporate bankruptcies typically result in pennies on the dollar being paid to unsecured creditors such as the debtor’s employees; indeed, a standard approach in these situations is to simply file a proof of claim with the bankruptcy court. Thomas rejected this option and, as a result, achieved a settlement that resulted in payment of all the wages the employees had rightfully earned. Her efforts had a demonstrably positive impact on employees in four states and the recovery received widespread national media coverage.

Thomas joined the Solicitor’s Office as a trial attorney in 2010, following a clerkship with Magistrate Judge Timothy Rice of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She was promoted to Wage Hour Counsel in the Arlington Branch Office of the Philadelphia Region in 2017, and to her current position in 2018.

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 today regarding Memorial Day:

“Memorial Day is a most solemn day on which we honor the Americans who gave their lives in service in the United States Military. The freedom we enjoy today was secured by their sacrifice.”