Assisting Wildfire Recovery

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta this week 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.”

More Job Openings than Job Seekers

There are now more than 1 million more job openings than job seekers in America. With 7.1 million openings, job openings have exceeded job seekers for eight straight months according to the JOLTS report the Bureau of Labor Statistics released this week.

Jobless Claims Near 49-Year Low

The number of new jobless claims dropped to near a 49-year low last week.

2018 Wildfires

The Department approved a dislocated worker grant to help California respond to the 2018 Camp, Woolsey, and Hill Fires in Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties.

Back Wages

A Department investigation resulted in a North Dakota company paying nearly $1.2 million in back wages to 275 current and former workers in six states.

Worker Safety

OSHA cited a Florida commercial printer for exposing workers to amputation, electrical, and fall hazards, and proposed $71,139 in penalties.

Visa Compliance

A Florida farm labor contractor has paid $53,428 in back wages after a Department investigation found violations of the H-2A visa program.

Workplace Hazards

OSHA cited a Georgia auto parts distributor for fire, electrical shock, and struck-by hazards. The company faces $133,406 in penalties.

Wages Recovered

The Department recovered $114,936 in back wages after an investigation of Goodwill Industries in Savannah, Georgia, found labor violations.

Record Manufacturing Job Openings

Manufacturing job openings reached a record high of 522,000, according to this week’s JOLTS report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job growth continues in the manufacturing sector, with 468,000 new jobs since November 2016.