ATLANTA – In September 2024, an employee at SeaWorld’s Orlando theme park was injured during a training exercise with a killer whale. A U.S. Department of Labor investigation found that the trainer was not properly protected from hazards while working with the whale.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor is accepting employers’ applications for the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award through April 30, 2025, as part of its annual program to recognize employers for excellence in the recruitment, hiring, and retention of America’s military veterans.

In the week ending March 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 223,000, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 220,000 to 221,000. The 4-week moving average was 227,000, an increase of 750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 226,000 to 226,250.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a supplemental award of $793,000 to Tennessee to continue providing disaster unemployment assistance for people in communities whose livelihoods were harmed when Tropical Storm Helene swept through the area in September 2024. 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced Keith E. Sonderling as the 38th Deputy Secretary of Labor.

Sonderling returns to the department, where he served as Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division. He most recently served as the Commissioner of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity from 2020-2024. 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced senior political appointees who will help Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer execute President Donald Trump’s mission of putting American workers and retirees first.

Bureau of International Labor Affairs

In the week ending March 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 220,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 221,000 to 222,000. The 4-week moving average was 226,000, an increase of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 224,250 to 224,500.

WASHINGTON – Lori Chavez-DeRemer was sworn in as the 30th U.S. Secretary of Labor today after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate on a bipartisan vote of 67-32.

In the week ending March 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 221,000, a decrease of 21,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 242,000. The 4-week moving average was 224,250, an increase of 250 from the previous week's unrevised average of 224,000.

In the week ending February 22, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 242,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 219,000 to 220,000. The 4-week moving average was 224,000, an increase of 8,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 215,250 to 215,500.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of Randel Johnson as the Chair of the Administrative Review Board. The board issues agency decisions in cases arising from worker protection laws, including whistleblower and public contract laws.

From August 2020 to 2022, Johnson served as an ARB judge and later as an academic fellow at Cornell Law School and as a distinguished lecturer at Syracuse College of Law. He was formerly partner with the law firm of Seyfarth Shaw LLP and was based in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of J. Ross Stewart as executive secretary.

“I am honored to step into this role and support the Department of Labor’s important work,” said Stewart. “I look forward to ensuring the Office of the Secretary operates seamlessly in advancing the Department’s mission.”

In the week ending February 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 219,000, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 213,000 to 214,000. The 4-week moving average was 215,250, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 216,000 to 216,250.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of Troy W. Finnegan as assistant secretary for administration and management. 

“It is an honor to return to the department and continue serving an administration that believes in the limitless potential of American job creators and workers,” said Finnegan.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of Dean A. Heyl as assistant secretary for public affairs. 

“It is my great privilege to get to tell the story of the Department of Labor as we seek to advance the fortunes of job seekers, wage earners, and retirees everywhere,” said Heyl.

In the week ending February 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 213,000, a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 219,000 to 220,000. The 4-week moving average was 216,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 216,750 to 217,000.

In the week ending February 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 219,000, an increase of 11,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 207,000 to 208,000. The 4-week moving average was 216,750, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 212,500 to 212,750.

In the week ending January 25, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 207,000, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 223,000. The 4-week moving average was 212,500, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's unrevised average of 213,500.

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Vince Micone today transmitted Secretary’s Order 03-2025 to all department employees, directing them to cease and desist all investigative and enforcement activity under the rescinded Executive Order 11246 and the regulations promulgated under it.  

The order applies to all department employees, including the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Office of Administrative Law Judges and the Administrative Review Board. 

In the week ending January 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 223,000, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 217,000. The 4-week moving average was 213,500, an increase of 750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 212,750.