Wiping out unfair and unsafe labor practices

We’ve proposed a rule that would phase out certificates allowing employers to pay some workers with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The rule proposes to gradually eliminate certificates employers can apply for under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. “This proposal demonstrates the Biden-Harris administration’s dedication to good jobs for workers with disabilities,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. “With this proposal, the department expects that many workers currently paid subminimum wages under Section 14(c) will move into jobs that pay full wages, which will improve their economic wellbeing and strengthen inclusion for people with disabilities in the workforce.” 

• Read about the proposed 14(c) rule 
• A blog on how the proposed 14(c) rule would improve pay equity

Behind the scenes, thousands of workers at farms, meatpacking facilities, warehouses, grocery stores, package delivery and retail stores are making sure we have what we need for our holiday celebrations. But many of them are at risk of workplace injuries. It’s critical for employers to ensure safe work conditions and for workers to know their rights. Together, we can protect those who make the holidays possible.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed a new standard that would protect approximately 36 million workers from heat hazards, and we’ve gotten a lot of questions about it. Check out the answers to some of those FAQs and learn how to share your feedback by Jan. 14, 2025, on the proposed rule, which was published in the Federal Register on Aug. 30.

We've secured a court order requiring Arizona’s Bean Drywall Inc. to pay $1.7 million in back wages and damages to 246 drywall workers after investigators found evidence of wage theft. This case highlights how the company’s fraudulent practices led to unpaid overtime and fines.

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released a new Federal Strategic Plan for Advancing STEM Education and Cultivating STEM Talent last week, and the Labor Department played a key role in developing components of the plan related to training and recruiting a national STEM workforce.

We continue to compel domestic employers to comply with child labor laws and are also working with African governments to address the problem. Read how we are combating child labor at home and abroad. 

• Read more about a second contractor at a Sioux City pork processing plant that has to pay $171K for hiring children to perform dangerous work. 
• Read how we are using a framework agreement with Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and the World Cocoa Foundation to address child labor.

We’ve obtained a consent judgment and order in federal court that recovers more than $2.4 million in back wages and liquidated damages from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania healthcare staffing agencies that denied 341 employees overtime wages, including employees misclassified as independent contractors.

The Women’s Bureau is recognizing 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the world of work – a harmful issue with impacts on workers’ safety and economic security, as well as equity and cultural progress – with information and resources on how everyone can address and prevent GBVH while ensuring safe workplaces for all, including: 

• Strategies for unions to end GBVH. 
• Tips for employers to create policies, programs and procedures to prevent GBVH. 
• An outline for federal, state and local governments to address and prevent GVBH.

We asked a federal court to order the U.S. Postal Service in Pennsylvania to comply with OSHA subpoenas needed to complete a whistleblower investigation.

We’ve awarded $3 million to help Cambodian organizations of persons with disabilities address labor exploitation and barriers to decent work.

The Employee Benefits Security Administration is sharing steps family caregivers can take and protections available to help in handling their loved one’s health care.

At the Department of Labor, we never give up on our veterans. Read the stories of two former service members who used the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program to get a fresh start in life.

📦That wobble isn't just annoying—it's a disaster waiting to happen! Never use equipment that feels unstable, and report issues immediately. 🏋️♀️ Your mission: Give your equipment a stability check before use. #WarehousingSafety https://lnkd.in/gfRM7SxQ 

-OSHA LinkedIn

•  The Guardian: Eleven children worked on Iowa pork plant’s ‘kill floor’, US labor officials say
• Safety+Health Magazine: OSHA’s Top 10: A conversation with OSHA's Scott Ketcham 
• Katy Times: Katy Area EDC offers apprenticeship program in partnership with US Dept. of Labor
• KTIV TV: Second cleaning company linked to Sioux City pork plant fined for child labor law violations 
• Daily Voice: PA Brewing Co. Owes $184K After Tip Investigation: Feds
• Fairfield Sun Times-Leader: How a proposed federal heat rule might have saved workers’ lives