WASHINGTON – The Obama administration today launched from New Orleans, La., Strong Cities, Strong Communities, to be known as SC2, a customized pilot initiative to strengthen capacity and spark economic growth in local communities, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently. To accomplish these objectives, federal agencies will provide experienced staff to work directly with six cities: Chester, Pa.; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Mich.; Fresno, Calif.; Memphis, Tenn.; and New Orleans.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the June 2011 Employment Situation report released today:

"Our nation's labor market experienced slower growth in the month of June. The private sector added 57,000 jobs, but federal, state and local governments cut a combined 39,000 positions, resulting in a total gain of 18,000 non-farm payroll jobs last month. The national unemployment rate edged up to 9.2 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is seeking nominations for membership to the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health by Sept. 6.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the introduction of federal legislation to reform the unemployment insurance system:

"I am pleased that Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Rosa DeLauro have introduced legislation to reform the UI system to benefit both workers and employers across the U.S. The legislation put forward promotes short-time compensation, also known as 'work-sharing.'

Special Factor: Minnesota has indicated that approximately 2,500 of their reported initial claims are a result of state employees filing due to the state government shutdown.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 2, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 418,000, a decrease of 14,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 432,000. The 4-week moving average was 424,750, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous week's revised average of 427,750.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has obtained an agreement for Maryland's Prince George's County Public Schools system to pay $4,222,146 in back wages due 1,044 workers to resolve violations of the H-1B temporary foreign worker program. Investigators from the department found that PGCPS illegally reduced the wages of the H-1B workers by requiring them to pay fees that the school system was required to pay.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced that Jay Williams will serve as the new director of recovery for auto communities and workers. Beginning on Aug. 8, Williams will lead the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers as it assists auto communities in identifying federal resources that may be used as part of their recovery efforts. Where resources are lacking, the office will recommend changes or new methods that can be used toward the revitalization of these communities.

Systemic labor violations found throughout call centers in Florida, Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Department of Labor has obtained a consent judgment and order to restore $46,869 to the employee benefit plan of now defunct AC General Engineering Inc., formerly located in Sacramento. The consent judgment and order resolve a lawsuit filed by the Labor Department in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the company and its officers and co-owners, Christopher Barringer and Atilano Alcala.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the importance of Trade Adjustment Assistance:

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $7,959,373 National Emergency Grant increment to continue to provide re-employment and training services to about 4,455 workers affected by the closure of New United Motors Manufacturing Inc. of Fremont, Calif., and 39 of its supplier companies.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced grants totaling $17 million to two organizations that are providing meaningful job training and other employment preparation to at-risk individuals ages 18-24.

"The grants announced today will directly support underserved young adults looking to improve their lives and join the workforce," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This is an investment not only in these young people, but also in their families and communities."

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,201,250 National Emergency Grant to create temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers who will assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms and flooding in Vermont that began on April 23.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $3,435,544 National Emergency Grant increment to continue to provide re-employment and training services to workers affected by layoffs in Tulare County, Calif. Funding will help workers prepare for careers in growing areas of the regional economy including agribusiness, renewable energy, supply chain logistics, health care and advanced manufacturing.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $13,964,651 National Emergency Grant supplemental award for the creation of temporary jobs to assist with ongoing clean up and recovery efforts after the tornado that devastated Joplin, Mo., as well as recovery efforts following flooding in the state's southern counties. The funds are being awarded to the Missouri Division of Workforce Development.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending June 25, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 428,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 429,000. The 4-week moving average was 426,750, an increase of 500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 426,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending June 18, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's revised rate of 3.0 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2 million National Emergency Grant to create temporary jobs for eligible workers who will assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms and flooding in Illinois that began on April 19.

"Spring storms dealt a severe blow to the communities of southern Illinois this year," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will help the residents in this region to clean up their towns and begin to get back on their feet."

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $3 million National Emergency Grant to create temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts after severe storms and tornadoes struck the central and western areas of Massachusetts on June 1.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $45,080,077 National Emergency Grant to provide re-employment services to about 5,880 workers affected by layoffs from a number of private and public sector employers located in 20 California counties.

Date of Action:  June 29, 2011

Names of Defendants:  James H. Trotter, Sr.; Sylvia Trotter; Trotter Construction Company, Inc.; Trotter Development Group, NC, LLC, and The Trotter Construction Company, Inc. 401(K) Plan located in Indianapolis, Ind.

Allegations: Trotter Construction Company, Inc. and Trotter Development Group NC LLC are owned by James Trotter. Trotter Construction sponsored the Trotter Construction Company, Inc. 401(k) Plan and welfare benefit plans which provided health, vision and dental benefits.