U.S. Department of Labor
January 8, 2021
Unemployment Down 8.1% Since April
The unemployment rate was 6.7% in December – a decline of 8.1% since April – according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today. Payroll employment has increased by 12.3 million since the economy began to reopen.
Independent Contractor Rule Announced
The Department announced a final rule clarifying independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act for employers, workers and independent contractors.
$3,930,381 Million in Coronavirus Citations
Through Dec. 31, OSHA issued citations for coronavirus-related violations arising from 300 inspections, with penalties totaling $3,930,381.
COVID-19 UPDATES AND RESOURCES
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
#EndTrafficking
During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to end human trafficking and all forms of forced labor.
Opinion Letters
Two new opinion letters provide compliance assistance on overtime pay and compensable travel time.
Tips Rule
The Department issued a new final rule amending tipped employee regulations to protect the tips of employees.
Reentry Grants
The Department is making $3.3 million available in grants to support the reentry of justice-involved individuals to the workforce and expand the Federal Bonding Program.
Debt Collection Initiative
Under a new initiative, OSHA will increase efforts to collect unpaid penalties and place establishments with unpaid debts on a priority list for further inspection.
50 Years of OSHA
Learn about OSHA’s work over the last five decades to ensure safe working conditions.
California Wildfires
In response to the 2020 California wildfires, the Department will provide up to $25.1 million to create disaster-relief jobs.
COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHT
Wage and Hour Highlights
In fiscal year 2020, the Wage and Hour Division hosted a record number of compliance assistance events.
OLMS Annual Report
The Office of Labor-Management Standards released its 2020 Annual Report on the agency’s performance and program activities.