WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the resignation of Bryan Jarrett, Acting Administrator for the Wage and Hour Division, effective January 5, 2019.

"In Fiscal Year 2018, the Wage and Hour Division achieved twin new records: more than $300 million in recovered wages owed to workers, and more than 3,600 compliance events to help ensure that workers are receiving the wages they legally earned," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "Bryan Jarrett, as the Acting Administrator, helped the Department set these records. We thank Bryan for his service and wish him the best in his new private sector endeavor."

Jarrett joined the Department in October 2017.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today visited California to discuss Administration efforts to assist American workers who are recovering from last month’s devastating wildfires. Secretary Acosta toured impacted areas of Paradise before participating in roundtable discussions in Chico with job creators, fire fighters, and public officials.

“President Trump has pledged the full resources of his Administration to help individuals recover from the tragedy of the California wildfires,” said Secretary Acosta. “We want to help Americans return to work.”

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that a Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant has been approved for the California Department of Employment Development to assess workforce needs in response to November 2018 wildfires throughout California. The Department previously announced actions it has taken to assist recovery efforts.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced additional incremental funding for a Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) to the California Department of Employment Development to assess workforce needs in response to wildfires that affected the state in October and December 2017.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued two declarations in response to California’s 2017 wildfires. After the issuance of each declaration, the Department awarded DWG funding to assist with recovery efforts in the 14 counties included in the declarations. California identified 12 counties currently receiving assistance through this grant: Butte, Lake, Los Angeles, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, Ventura, and Yuba.

Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, Dislocated Worker Grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker training and employment programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) has been approved for the California Department of Employment Development to assess workforce needs in response to November 2018 wildfires throughout California. The funding will assist the state in response to the Camp Fire in Butte County, which is now the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history. It will also provide assistance in response to the Woolsey and Hill Fires which ignited the same day in Los Angeles and Ventura counties; these have collectively scorched over 400 square miles and reduced air quality to dangerous levels.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a disaster declaration on November 12, 2018. It allows the state to request DWG funding to assist with recovery efforts in the three counties declared eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, Dislocated Worker Grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker training and employment programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today issued the following statement regarding the November 2018 Employment Situation report:

"President Trump's policies continue to fuel strong and steady job growth. Two full years since the President's election, 4.6 million jobs have been created, including 155,000 in November. Job gains were significant in manufacturing and transportation and warehousing.

"The unemployment rate of 3.7% in November marked the first time since 1969 that the unemployment rate has not exceeded 3.7% for three straight months. For an astonishing seven months this year, the unemployment rate has been below 4.0%. Last month matched a record low, set earlier this year, for the African-American unemployment rate.

"Wage gains remain steady. Paychecks are growing.

"Parts of the United States continue to recover from devastation caused by wildfires in California and last week's earthquake in Alaska. The Department of Labor is working closely with impacted states to help dislocated workers get back to work as quickly as possible."

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta released the following statement regarding National Miners Day:

"On National Miners Day, Americans honor miners for their tremendous skill, expertise, and dedication. In nearly 13,000 mines across our nation, America's miners leverage our natural resources to power our nation and manufacture products that improve our lives. Mining provides good, family-sustaining careers for the American people. At the Department of Labor, we work each day to ensure miners work in a safe and healthy environment so that they can return safely to their families at the end of each shift."

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced actions it is taking to assist Americans in Alaska affected by the devastating earthquake.

"The Department of Labor is committed to supporting the American worker as Alaska recovers from last week’s earthquake," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.

U.S. Department of Labor actions include the following:

• The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is prepared to provide Disaster Dislocated Worker Grants to help Alaska assess workforce needs. The disbursement of funds will be determined as needs are assessed by state and local partners.
• The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has temporarily suspended select federal contractor requirements, allowing businesses involved in earthquake relief the ability to prioritize recovery efforts.
• The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is responding to the earthquake’s impact on mines, and stands ready to respond more generally with specialized equipment and personnel.
• The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is working with its grantees to identify flexibility and additional funding needs for its programs. VETS will provide assistance to employers, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and members of the National Disaster Medical System and Urban Search and Rescue service who may be deployed in support of rescue and recovery operations.
• The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is prioritizing all calls in the affected areas to continue to provide uninterrupted service to workers and employers.
• The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) issued a special enforcement advisory that would temporarily ease reporting and other regulatory burdens on labor organizations, labor relations consultants, and employers affected by the Alaska earthquake.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is actively engaged with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal agencies. Alaska enforces worker health and safety requirements in the state; OSHA stands ready to assist affected areas upon request.
• The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is coordinating with other federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, on the release of compliance guidance for employee benefit plans, and plan participants and beneficiaries, in the wake of the Alaska earthquake.

WASHINGTON, DC – As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Wage and Hour Division (WHD) are reminding employers to protect worker safety and pay. 

“Whether employees are stocking shelves, packing boxes, delivering products, or selling merchandise, they have the right to a safe workplace,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “Employers should focus on their responsibility to protect all employees during the busy holiday season.”

Retail employers should take precautions to keep workers safe while managing large crowds during sales events. Retailers are encouraged to address potential workplace safety hazards by following safety guidelines such as using trained security personnel and barricades or rope lines for pedestrians, and implementing crowd control measures and emergency procedures. OSHA offers many resources that provide information and guidance for protecting people employed in various aspects of the retail industry, including warehousing, tractor trailer drivers, forklift safety, and crowd management.

Temporary or seasonal employees hired to provide additional help have the right to a safe and healthful workplace, and to be paid for the work performed. As hiring spikes, employees not familiar with this sort of employment and employers unaccustomed to hiring part-time and/or seasonal employees may not be fully aware of the rules that surround such work.

“Holiday season hiring brings great opportunity for both the American workforce and job creators,” said Acting Administrator for the Wage and Hour Division Bryan Jarrett. “The U.S. Department of Labor offers a wide variety of tools to ensure that workers are paid what they have legally earned and help employers understand their responsibilities.” 

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.  The Fair Labor Standards Act requires most workers to be paid at least the federal minimum wage, and overtime premium pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. For more information, visit www.dol.gov/whd.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced actions it is taking to assist Americans in California affected by devastating wildfires.

"The Department of Labor is actively engaged in Administration efforts to help those impacted by devastating wildfires in California," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "As Californians come together to help their friends, neighbors, and all individuals who have been affected recover, the Department of Labor is committed to supporting the American worker."

U.S. Department of Labor actions taken in response to the California wildfires include the following:

• The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is prepared to provide Disaster Dislocated Worker Grants to help California assess workforce needs. The disbursement of funds will be determined as needs are assessed by state and local partners. ETA is assisting in administering Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
• The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has released guidance for employee benefit plan participants and beneficiaries in the wake of the 2018 California wildfires.
• The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has temporarily suspended select federal contractor requirements, allowing businesses involved in wildfire relief the ability to prioritize recovery efforts.
• The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is responding to wildfires' impact on mines, and stands ready to respond more generally with specialized equipment and personnel.
• The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is working with its grantees to identify flexibility and additional funding needs for its programs. VETS will provide assistance to employers, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and members of the National Disaster Medical System and Urban Search and Rescue service who may be deployed in support of rescue and recovery operations.
• The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is prioritizing all calls in the affected areas to continue to provide uninterrupted service to workers and employers.
• The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) issued a special enforcement advisory that would temporarily ease reporting and other regulatory burdens on labor organizations, labor relations consultants, and employers affected by the California wildfires.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is actively engaged with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal agencies. California enforces worker health and safety requirements in the state; OSHA stands ready to assist affected areas upon request.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today announced the start of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). This year’s theme – Apprenticeships: Creating Tomorrow – celebrates the impact apprenticeship programs have in helping Americans learn skills for jobs in growing industries. NAW will continue through November 18.

“President Trump’s Administration is committed to expanding apprenticeships and workforce investment across all industries. Apprenticeship is a proven way to help Americans learn the skills they need for good, safe, family-sustaining jobs,” said Secretary Acosta. “National Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity to showcase how businesses, labor, educational institutions, trade and industry groups, and public officials across the nation are expanding apprenticeships to develop a skilled, dedicated workforce.”

There are currently more than 7 million open jobs in the United States, and available jobs have exceeded job seekers for seven straight months. Many of these vacancies remain unfilled because job creators cannot find job seekers with the in-demand skills. Apprenticeships provide paid, relevant workplace experiences and opportunities to develop skills job creators demand. The Administration is working to create more opportunities across all industries, including occupations that have not typically used apprenticeships, such as information technology, advanced manufacturing, banking and finance, and healthcare.

In 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order Expanding Apprenticeships in America. Following the President’s Executive Order, Secretary Acosta convened the President’s Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion, which included leaders from business, labor, trade and industry groups, educational institutions, and public officials. Earlier this year, the Task Force submitted a report to the President providing a strategy, including specific recommendations, to create more apprenticeships in the United States through the new Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship program model.

This summer, the Department announced a grant program to accelerate the expansion of apprenticeships to new industry sectors, and to increase apprenticeship opportunities for all Americans. Additionally, the Department launched a new digital platform: www.Apprenticeship.gov. This innovative web portal features an Apprenticeship Finder tool that offers career seekers a platform to search for apprenticeships by city, state, and occupation, and connects job seekers to high-skilled, high paying careers.

NAW events and activities can include apprenticeship program open houses for career seekers, skills competitions, community forums, apprentice graduations, business open houses, high school or college career fairs, apprenticeship signing days, industry roundtable events, and more. To explore NAW resources and to include your event in a national listing of NAW events, please visit: www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/NAW/.