The unemployment rate was 6.7% in December – a decline of 8.1% since April – according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today. Payroll employment has increased by 12.3 million since the economy began to reopen.

The Department announced a final rule clarifying independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act for employers, workers and independent contractors.

• Secretary Eugene Scalia’s Fox Business Op-Ed

Through Dec. 31, OSHA issued citations for coronavirus-related violations arising from 300 inspections, with penalties totaling $3,930,381.

• Videos: OSHA guidance for workers in English and Spanish on staying safe during the pandemic.
• Videos: OSHA guidance for employers in English and Spanish on keeping workers safe from the coronavirus.
• Guidance: The Employment and Training Administration provided guidance to states on implementing the extension of CARES Act unemployment insurance programs.
• Guidance: The Wage and Hour Division published guidance on the Dec. 31 expiration of paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for coronavirus-related reasons.
• Guidance: The Wage and Hour Division issued compliance assistance resources supporting workplace flexibilities through virtual communication.

During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to end human trafficking and all forms of forced labor.

Two new opinion letters provide compliance assistance on overtime pay and compensable travel time.

The Department issued a new final rule amending tipped employee regulations to protect the tips of employees.

The Department is making $3.3 million available in grants to support the reentry of justice-involved individuals to the workforce and expand the Federal Bonding Program.

Under a new initiative, OSHA will increase efforts to collect unpaid penalties and place establishments with unpaid debts on a priority list for further inspection.

Learn about OSHA’s work over the last five decades to ensure safe working conditions.

In response to the 2020 California wildfires, the Department will provide up to $25.1 million to create disaster-relief jobs.

In fiscal year 2020, the Wage and Hour Division hosted a record number of compliance assistance events.

The Office of Labor-Management Standards released its 2020 Annual Report on the agency’s performance and program activities.