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News Release

ICYMI: U.S. Department of Labor Acts to Help American Workers and Employers During the Coronavirus Pandemic

WASHINGTON, DC –The U.S. Department of Labor took a range of actions last week to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.

As the week progressed, many more states began delivering unemployment benefits to those who are temporarily out of work, including independent contractors and gig workers, and Department staff continued to work closely with states across the country. By week’s end, more than two-thirds of states were providing the CARES Act’s enhanced $600 benefit. U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia and Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration John Pallasch hosted a press call with dozens of reporters from around the country to provide an update on states’ implementation of the unemployment program. Also last week, the Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released several documents regarding enforcement and compliance assistance efforts to keep American workers safe.

“This is a challenging time for workers and their families as millions of Americans make sacrifices for the well-being of neighbors, co-workers, and country,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia during the press call Wednesday. “We quickly issued rules and guidance that provide a roadmap to States, employers, and workers so our economy can outlast this virus and workers can receive the benefits they are entitled to. All of our Labor Department agencies are participating in the important work of supporting the workforce during these difficult times.”

The below list includes links to access these important resources.

On Unemployment Insurance:

Funding for Dislocated Workers:

Keeping America’s Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Labor is focused on the safety and health of American workers, assisting our state partners as they deliver traditional unemployment and expanded unemployment benefits under the CARES Act, ensuring Americans know their rights to new paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave, providing guidance and assistance to employees, and carrying out the mission of the Department.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

Agency
Office of the Secretary
Date
April 19, 2020
Release Number
20-681-NAT
Media Contact: Department of Labor National Contact Center
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