Are your workers employees or independent contractors?

We published a rule to address how to analyze whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Independent contractors in business for themselves play an important role in our economy – and this rule won’t change that. What it will do is ensure employees receive the protections and benefits they are due.

• Learn more about the independent contractor final rule
• Read a blog by Jessica Looman on the new rule

In Las Vegas this week, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su met with workers and discussed how federal investments in projects like the first high-speed rail line from Las Vegas to California are creating high-quality union jobs for workers. At the Consumer Electronics Show, she discussed the future of work, underscoring the importance of making sure workers have a seat at the table when making decisions on how to use AI.

We've announced the award of up to $12.4 million in grant funding to help three organizations reduce child and forced labor in Mexico and support migrant workers.

In a joint statement, Acting Secretary Su and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Charlotte A. Burrows recognized the first anniversary of legislation that expanded rights for pregnant and nursing workers and helped create more equitable workplaces.

The U.S. economy added 216,000 jobs in December, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.7%, continuing the longest stretch of unemployment below 4% in more than 50 years. The report demonstrates strong and steady economic growth throughout the past year.

We’ve recovered $230,000 owed to 545 Nebraska meat processing employees who were denied compensation for pre- and post-shift work.

Our investments in the unemployment insurance system have helped strengthen fraud prevention, promote equity and accelerate service.

The Office of Labor-Management Standards' FY 2023 enforcement results should give the American public confidence in the integrity of unions.

Meet Verlencia Somuah, a policy advisor in our Office of Disability Employment Policy helping create more inclusive workplaces, and find tips for applying to federal jobs.

“Wage theft is a crime. If you think you may be owed back wages, @WHD_DOL is here to help ⬇️
www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/wow”
-@ActSecJulieSu

• NPR: US unemployment has been under 4% for the longest streak since the Vietnam War
• Public News Service: VP joins hospitality workers in Vegas to hail new union contracts
• USA Today: America's workers are owed more than $163 million in back pay. See if you qualify.