Investing in infrastructure means investing in workers

A new rule to support infrastructure workers, job growth continues, protecting labor rights and more U.S. Department of Labor August 10, 2023 Infrastructure investments and raising wage standards for construction workers A new rule updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts will ensure wages paid to workers on federally funded construction projects better reflect the realities of today's labor market. Vice President Kamala Harris and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su announced the rule in Pennsylvania. Blog: How the rule will help construction workers Webpage: FAQs and more info on the new rule White House fact sheet: Raising wage standards for construction workers New partnership will enhance state workforce development systems We're partnering with the National Governors Association to unite federal partners, state policy advisors, workforce development boards and agencies, and others to improve state workforce development services. The partnership will take advantage of employment opportunities made possible by the Biden-Harris administration's historic investments to rebuild the nation's infrastructure and promote economic growth. $1.6M recovered for misclassified workers We recovered more than $1.6 million in back wages and damages for 188 workers, many of whom had been denied minimum and overtime wages by a North Carolina construction services contractor who misclassified the employees as independent contractors. Enhancing worker safety following East Palestine derailment The operator of a Norfolk Southern Corp. train that derailed in February 2023 has entered into a settlement agreement with OSHA and the Teamsters' railway union to enhance safety. OSHA will continue to work closely with the federal and Ohio Environmental Protection Agencies and other officials to protect workers' safety and health as clean-up operations continue. Claims administrator sued for denying thousands of medical claims We've sued the nation's largest third-party medical claims administrator for routinely denying healthcare claims for emergency room services and drug screening for at least 2,136 self-funded employee welfare benefit plans. 13.4M jobs and rising In July, the economy added 187,000 jobs, including gains in health care, social assistance, financial activities and wholesale trade. Since President Biden took office, the economy has added 13.4 million jobs. Read the employment situation report Read a statement from Acting Secretary Julie Su on the jobs report Opioid grant awarded We've awarded $1,025,221 for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to support ongoing efforts to address Michigan's opioid crisis. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Fraud, trafficking and abuse A South Carolina labor contractor has been convicted after a joint investigation revealed they mistreated migrant farmworkers, took their passports and provided unsafe living conditions. Supporting worker rights We've reached an agreement with the U.S. Trade Representative and the Mexican government to address labor violations at a garment plant in Aguascalientes. Wages recovered A Texas home healthcare and hospice service provider denied 133 of its employees their overtime wages. Now, they'll pay $501,211 in back wages and damages. Mental health parity Our proposed rule will help ensure equal access to treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. ILAB on LinkedIn Follow the Bureau of International Labor Affairs on LinkedIn for the latest news and resources on international labor and workers' rights. Energy worker benefits We're hosting a benefits information session for current and former nuclear weapons workers employed at covered facilities in Ohio. Cybersecurity A new $15.2 million investment through the Technology Modernization Fund will help improve the security of our IT systems and data. SAFE + SOUND WEEK Safe + Sound Week promotes mental health at work During Safe + Sound Week 2023, we're encouraging employers to make mental health an important part of their safety and health programs. Explore our resources, solutions, and support for mental health and well-being that employers can use to help workers, and join the conversation on being #SafeAndSoundAtWork. POST OF THE WEEK Have you seen the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's new hazard alert reminding employers of their duty to protect workers against extreme heat? Make sure you know the law and how to keep workers safe: https://lnkd.in/dYQvGZ4D -USDOL LinkedIn IN THE NEWS The Cut: The Labor Nominee Making Sure Staffers Get Home for Bedtime Bloomberg: A sit-down with the acting secretary of labor Philadelphia Inquirer: In 'a moment of urgency,' construction worker pay and training take center stage in Pa. WGBH FM Boston: Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su gave remarks on the final day of the NAACP convention WorkingNation Overheard: James Rodriguez on why veterans are an asset to the workplace Deseret (AZ) News: How elected officials are responding to extreme heat in Arizona SUBSCRIBE SEND FEEDBACK ARCHIVE U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20210 www.dol.gov | 1-866-4USADOL (1-866-487-2365) Do not want to get emails from us? You can unsubscribe here. (We will miss you!) 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