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U.S. Department of Labor

March 23, 2023

Three men in hard hats and safety vests stand near a derailed train in East Palestine, Ohio. One is taking notes.

Working together to keep railroad workers safe

OSHA is collaborating with the Federal Railroad Administration to protect the safety and health of railroad workers in light of the Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and other recent events. Making sure railroad workers are empowered to report safety issues without fear of retaliation is an important part of our efforts.

Members of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, including former Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and Vice President Kamala Harris, meet with employers and unions for a roundtable discussion in an ornate room at the White House.

Latest Worker Organizing Task Force report shows continued progress

The White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment has released an update on the status of the 70+ action items from the task force’s first report aimed at reducing barriers to organizing and supporting workers’ rights. Learn more about the progress the Labor Department and other agencies have made over the past year:

  • Task force implementation update to the report
  • Fact sheet on our task force implementation progress
  • Task force blog post by Senior Counselor Lynn Rhinehart 

A worker signs an employment contract while the employer points to the signature area.

Combating illegal labor practices

We filed a lawsuit to stop a New York staffing agency from requiring employees to return their wages if they worked for fewer than three years, among other illegal practices. It’s outrageous, but hardly the only example of companies using abusive mandatory arbitration clauses in employment contracts.

Black and white photo of the outside of an oil refinery showing smog pouring from smokestacks.

Safety deficiencies found following fatal explosion at BP plant

After an explosion at an Ohio BP refinery killed two workers, OSHA investigators found the employer violated process safety procedures for highly hazardous materials and failed to adequately train workers. BP Products North America was cited for 11 violations and faces the maximum proposed penalties.

Funding Opportunity

$15M available to help young people prepare for college and career success

We’re making $15 million available in grant funding to support programs that help youth – particularly those in rural areas, people of color and people with disabilities – overcome obstacles to educational and workforce success with training and career guidance.

A group of workers, all in safety gear, at a construction site.

Back wages recovered for construction workers

We recovered $633,029 in back wages for 84 workers denied their full wages and benefits by subcontractors involved in construction of an affordable housing development funded by the District of Columbia.

Grants awarded

$20M in American Rescue Plan funding awarded to improve access to unemployment benefits

To help identify and address barriers to accessing state unemployment insurance benefits, we’ve awarded nearly $20 million in equity grants to Florida, Mississippi, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

In a crowded work room, a woman pushes red fabric through a sewing machine.

Fashion don’t

Garment workers are paid some of the lowest wages in the nation, sometimes as little as $1.58 per hour – and they make clothing for many retailers you know.


A frowny face on a plate. The eyes are made of frosted donuts and the sad mouth is a smear of chocolate syrup.

Protecting young workers

After our investigators found 19 minors working in violation of child labor laws at Dunkin franchise locations in Maryland and West Virginia, the employer has agreed to prevent future violations.


U.S. Forest Service smokejumper Ben Elkind rides in an airplane, preparing to battle a wildland fire.

Supporting firefighters

Our Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs is advancing fairness for federal firefighters by improving the claims process for certain diseases and illnesses.


U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar and Luisa María Alcalde, Mexico’s secretary of labor and social welfare, hold up documents during a signing ceremony with the flags of Mexico and the United States in the background.

Migrant worker wages

Through a new pilot program, we’re collaborating with the Mexican government to return back wages owed to migrant workers who were employed in the U.S.


A coal miner covered in dust works underground.

Black lung on the rise

New research shows modern coal miners have increasing rates of black lung disease and other lung conditions, underscoring the need for a strong Federal Black Lung Program.


A worker in plaid shirt and gloves catches a chicken.

Wages recovered

The owner of two poultry catching facilities in Alabama and North Carolina denied 322 employees their full earned wages, investigators found.


A woman holds a phone above a check, taking a photo to process it.

Pay your workers

A Honolulu substance abuse treatment facility must pay $451,989 to 34 workers after investigators found the facility paid some workers as little as $400 per month.


Headshot of Wil Lowe. A man with short, dark hair wears a suit and tie and smiles at the camera.

A veteran success story

Once he faced unemployment and housing instability. Today veteran Wil Lowe is thriving, thanks to a Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program grantee.


WORKER RESOURCES

Female employee standing and speaking to seated colleagues

Retirement savings tips

The difference between women’s and men’s salaries also means women have less money they can save towards their retirement. Here are some tips on achieving a secure retirement and other financial goals.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

.@USDOL and @STPS_mx are committed to returning the $6.5 million in earned back wages collected by @WHD_DOL to approximately 13,000 Mexican migrant workers who were employed in the United States: blog.dol.gov/2023/03/17/returning-what-is-owed-to-migrant-workers
-@ILAB_DOL

We're hiring! Grants available! Upcoming events

Get Recognized for Hiring Veterans. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level award for veterans’ employment. Learn More.

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