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.

• Secretary Eugene Scalia’s Fox Business Op-Ed

$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

• Videos: OSHA guidance for workers in English and Spanish on staying safe during the pandemic.
• Videos: OSHA guidance for employers in English and Spanish on keeping workers safe from the coronavirus.
• Guidance: The Employment and Training Administration provided guidance to states on implementing the extension of CARES Act unemployment insurance programs.
• Guidance: The Wage and Hour Division published guidance on the Dec. 31 expiration of paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for coronavirus-related reasons.
• Guidance: The Wage and Hour Division issued compliance assistance resources supporting workplace flexibilities through virtual communication.

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.