Access to good jobs for all

Acting Secretary Julie Su joined Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and local workforce development board representatives this week to announce the award of $6 million in federal grants to increase participation of women in non-traditional occupations and discuss how federal-local partnerships are creating good jobs and expanding equitable pathways to good jobs. Learn more about the grant program and this year’s recipients. 

At the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference in New Orleans – the country’s largest gathering of tradeswomen – Acting Secretary Su praised attendees for raising the bar for what work should look like. While the fight for true equality is far from over, women in the trades are helping more people access good union jobs by pushing for inclusive policies such as paid sick leave, childcare stipends and maternity leave. 

Acting Secretary Su joined the White House in urging the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance to negotiate quickly and in good faith toward a fair contract after thousands of dockworkers went on strike this week. Read her statement on the USMC-ILA negotiations.

We strongly encourage response and recovery crews, as well as residents in areas stricken by Hurricane Helene, to know and avoid the hazards flooding, power loss, structural damage, fallen trees and storm debris can cause. Those involved in response and recovery efforts with a question about safety or health can call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

• Learn more about cleaning up after hurricanes  
• Find flood safety tips and resources 
• Explore disaster recovery resources related to wages, workplace benefits and more 
• Find more resources on the federal response to Hurricane Helene 

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or “NDEAM,” we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM’s purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All.”  

Need workplace accommodation inspiration? The Job Accommodation Network, a service of our Office of Disability Employment Policy, offers a new Situations and Solutions Finder with examples of workplace accommodations in many industries and a free database of accommodation scenarios by disability, limitation or occupation.

We’ve awarded more than $22 million this week, including:

• $18.4 million to measure the effectiveness of sector-based training for low-income, older adult workers
• $3.4 million to support continued disaster-relief employment and training for Guam residents affected by Typhoon Mawar
• $1.1 million to support initiatives to help identify and prevent unsafe mine working conditions

We’re making up to $20 million available for out-of-school time organizations to increase access to good jobs for underserved youth.

AB Specialty Silicones must pay $1.3 million in penalties and implement comprehensive safety programs after an explosion at an Illinois plant killed four workers.

Our Veterans’ Employment and Training Service is partnering with Albany State University to support veterans and enhance employment opportunities at HBCUs. 

Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. Learn how to use the mental health benefits you get through your job-based health plan.

New analysis explores the price of childcare over a 5-year period with additional data from the National Database of Childcare Prices.

We’re joining forces with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development for a strategic enforcement initiative to combat illegal child labor.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration cited mine operators for 253 violations following the agency’s impact inspections in August.

Considering federal employment? Learn from Paralegal Specialist Rob Robinson, who helps our attorneys defend workers’ rights, what work in the Office of the Solicitor is like.

Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. Learn more about how to understand and use the mental health benefits you may get through your job-based health plan: https://lnkd.in/dPm-bUq3 #SuicidePrevention
-@USDOL

• KTVI-TV FOX 2 St. Louis: Labor Dept. sues Missouri restaurant for $1.9M in wage violations
• WSOC-TV ABC 9 Charlotte: Acting Labor Secretary Touts Good Job Principles