Category: US Department of Labor

Source: US Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs is inviting public comment on the comparative reliability and validity of hearing testing methods and best practices for evaluating occupational hearing loss. In a request for information, the OWCP is asking for input from audiologists, otolaryngologists, medical professionals, medical associations, employees, employers, insurance carriers, and other interested parties on the reliability and validity of audiograms compared with other objective tests, including the auditory brainstem response, auditory steady state response, otoacoustic emissions, and others. The agency is also soliciting comments on the current standards for administering these tests and the criteria used to evaluate hearing impairment.Those interested in commenting should submit comments on www.regulations.gov, and include the agency name and regulatory information number for this rulemaking in their submissions. Commenters should not include personally identifiable information or confidential business information that they do not want publicly disclosed. Written comments must be received by Oct. 22, 2026. The rulemaking docket, background documents, and all submitted comments will be available at www.regulations.gov. Although some materials, such as copyrighted material, may not be available through the website, the complete rulemaking record will be available for inspection at OWCP.Read the request for information.

Source: US Department of Labor

PORTLAND, ME – A federal court has entered a consent order requiring three sports bars to pay $51,775 in back wages to 47 employees, and $31,436 in civil money penalties, resolving the U.S. Department of Labor’s case alleging the employers violated federal wage and child labor law.

Entered on June 4, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, the consent judgment and order resolve the department’s case alleging that three sports bars in Biddeford, Scarborough, and Westbrook – Cowbell Rock Row LLC operating as Cowbell Rock Row, Cowbell Hospitality LLC operating as Cowbell Biddeford, and Cowbell Hospitality 2 LLC operating as Cowbell Scarborough – violated minimum wage, overtime, and child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

The judgment comes after the department alleged that the establishments failed to pay some employees for all hours worked or provide proper overtime compensation, altered timecards to conceal hours worked, did not combine hours worked for all locations, and miscategorized some employees as exempt from overtime pay. At one location, the employer was also found to have violated hours requirements for two minor employees.

“Employers are required by law to pay non-exempt employees for all hours worked, including time-and-a-half pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek,” stated Wage and Hour Division District Director Steven McKinney in Manchester, New Hampshire. “Employers’ willful failure to fulfill their obligations will have costly consequences.” 

Workers and employers can call the division with questions and requests for compliance assistance at its toll-free helpline, 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Employers are encouraged to use the agency’s industry-specific compliance assistance toolkits to learn about their responsibilities under the laws enforced by the division, including child labor laws.

The agency’s PAID program offers employers an opportunity to self-report and resolve potential FLSA minimum wage and overtime violations, as well as certain potential violations under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool that workers can use if they think they may be owed back wages collected by the division. Download the agency’s free timesheet app for iOS and Android devices to track hours and pay.

Source: US Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $1 million in grant funding to support disaster-relief jobs and employment and training services for residents of the Northern Mariana Islands in response to the severe impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku. 

Beginning April 11 and continuing through April 18, 2026, Super Typhoon Sinlaku, a Category 5 storm, caused widespread devastation throughout the Northern Mariana Islands, including Rota, Saipan, and Tinian. The storm severely damaged residential property, public infrastructure, and utility systems. Many communities continue to experience disruptions in access to electrical power, potable water, and other essential services.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a disaster declaration for the storm, enabling the territory to request federal assistance. This award will support recovery efforts throughout the Northern Mariana Islands, including Rota, Saipan, and Tinian.

This Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant allows the territory to provide people with temporary jobs focused on cleanup and recovery efforts, as well as support employment and training services for eligible community members.

Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources.

Source: US Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today issued guidance clarifying that employer contributions made to a minor child’s Trump Account will not generally be subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. 

A Technical Release from the department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration provides clear guidance regarding the treatment of Trump Accounts given their unique status as an individual retirement account that may be funded by contributions from employers, governments, charitable organizations, and family members.

“This guidance should provide the clarity that employers need as the Administration rolls out Trump Accounts to jumpstart a golden age of investing in future generations,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling. “Through President Trump’s leadership, Trump Accounts are a strong first step towards a secure financial future.” 

Trump Accounts will build long-term financial security for millions of U.S. citizens under 18 through tax-advantaged investments. Each child born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, is eligible to receive a $1,000 contribution to their Trump Account from the Treasury Department. Families can also contribute up to $5,000 a year to each Trump Account. In addition, state, local, and tribal governments as well as charities and employers can contribute to a child’s Trump Account. 

Parents or guardians looking to build long-term financial security for their children or dependents can visit TrumpAccounts.gov to enroll in the program and find out more information on creating an account and downloading the official app. 
 

Source: US Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor and its Office of Inspector General today announced the recovery of $512,138,478 in fraudulent CARES Act funds to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This marks the second major recovery from the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance, bringing the total of funds recovered from the state to more than $1 billion. 

“Today’s return of hard-earned American taxpayer dollars represents more than a financial recovery – it reinforces our commitment to protecting American workers and the programs they depend on,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “This result was made possible through close coordination with the department’s Office of Inspector General. Together, we are restoring trust and integrity in these programs and putting money back where it belongs – in the pockets of hardworking Americans.”

These recoveries are the direct result of the Maryland Department of Labor’s continued efforts to strengthen program integrity and combat fraud. Working with a financial institution, Maryland was able to identify and freeze the suspicious funds that were flagged by the department’s Office of Inspector General and Employment and Training Administration. 

“This is accountability in action – half a billion dollars in stolen taxpayer funds – identified, frozen, and returned to the Treasury. Through continued collaboration with the department and Acting Secretary Sonderling, we were able to produce real, measurable results for the American people,” said Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito. “This recovery represents a major victory for the American taxpayer and is a clear demonstration of our commitment to clawing back every stolen dollar.”

For additional information on the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, please visit oig.dol.gov. If you suspect wrongdoing involving Department of Labor programs or operations, contact 800-347-3756 or oig.dol.gov/hotlinecontact.htm.

Source: US Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling issued formal letters to the governors of 53 U.S. states and territories today, demanding immediate action to combat fraud, waste, and abuse within the unemployment insurance program. 

In the letters, the department announced its intent to crack down on rampant fraud and end mismanagement, improper payments, and corruption within the UI program. Acting Secretary Sonderling notified states that, in partnership with the Office of the Inspector General, the department will use every available enforcement tool—including withholding administrative funds from states for the first time in history—to ensure compliance in protecting UI system integrity and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. 

“We are officially putting governors on notice,” said Acting Secretary Sonderling. “The American people will no longer tolerate the blatant waste, fraud, and abuse of their hard-earned tax dollars — no state should allow it either. If states allow it, they will suffer the consequences. This department is no longer afraid to use every lever available to ensure taxpayer money is protected.” 

Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito added, “The days of excuses are over. States that fail to protect taxpayer dollars should expect consequences. Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and I will use every available enforcement tool to demand accountability, recover stolen money, and ensure unemployment benefits only go to eligible Americans.” 

In the letters, Acting Secretary Sonderling, a member of President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance, detailed how years of failed oversight, outdated technology, weak identity verification, and lax controls allowed unprecedented fraud to flourish.

Among the most glaring examples: 

• California – More than $20 billion in debt to the federal government after years of fraud, improper payments, and mismanagement of its UI system.
• New York – Losing an estimated $2 million every day to fraud and improper payments, while posting one of the highest improper payment rates in the nation, exceeding 20%.
• Illinois – Improperly paying out more than $320 million in taxpayer funds at a rate of more than 14%, one of the highest improper payment rates in the nation. 

The Department of Labor is committed to rooting out fraud, enforcing UI eligibility requirements, and protecting American taxpayers. States that fail to safeguard these programs jeopardize benefits intended for hardworking Americans who demonstrate a legitimate need for temporary assistance. 

Additional guidance and directives will be issued to the states in the coming weeks. 

Source: US Department of Labor

SPOKANE, WA – The U.S. Department of Labor has secured a federal consent judgment requiring four Washington-based restaurants to pay $750,000 in back wages and damages to 42 workers after an investigation uncovered minimum wage and overtime violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Entered in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, the order comes after the department’s Wage and Hour Division found Nolberto and Guillermina Rodríguez, owners of Blanco Inc. and Mi Rancho Chico Inc., doing business as Rancho Chico in Spokane, Colville, and Omak, failed to pay employees required overtime of time and one-half their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Additionally, Rancho Chico paid some nonexempt employees on a salaried basis for all hours worked, which led to earnings below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. In addition, the investigation found that Rancho Chico engaged in unlawful retaliation after terminating an employee who filed a wage complaint. 

Investigators also found that Rancho Chico violated federal child labor laws prohibiting minors from operating hazardous equipment. 

Following the investigation, the Rodríguezes agreed to pay back wages to the 42 employees but ultimately failed to pay the amounts owed. This led the department’s Office of the Solicitor and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington to pursue a federal court order to compel payment of the back wages and damages. 

“Rancho Chico violated federal minimum wage, overtime, and anti-retaliation laws when they knowingly underpaid employees who worked long hours to support themselves and their families,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Andrew Rogers. “Disregarding the findings of a Wage and Hour Division investigation carries serious repercussions. I encourage employers to regularly review their pay practices, reach out for compliance assistance, and immediately address violations.”

Under the consent judgment, Rancho Chico and the Rodríguezes must pay $750,000.00 in back wages and damages and comply with federal labor laws moving forward, including properly paying employees for all hours worked, maintaining accurate records, and refraining from retaliating against workers who exercise their rights. 

“After being caught breaking the law, Rancho Chico and the Rodríguezes then shamelessly broke their promises that they would make things right and pay their employees the hard-earned wages and damages they’re owed,” said Regional Solicitor of Labor Marc Pilotin in San Francisco. “The Solicitor’s Office will pursue every option we have, including working with our colleagues in the Department of Justice, to hold employers accountable for violations of their obligations to their employees.”

Employers and workers can call the division with questions and requests for compliance assistance at its toll-free helpline, 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Employers are encouraged to use the agency’s industry-specific compliance assistance toolkits to learn about their responsibilities under the laws enforced by the division. The agency’s PAID program offers employers an opportunity to self-report and resolve potential minimum wage and overtime violations under the FLSA, as well as certain potential violations under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division. Download the agency’s free timesheet app for iOS and Android devices to track hours and pay.

Source: US Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – The United States has invoked the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRM) in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to review whether workers at Newmont Corporation’s Minera Peñasquito, S.A de C.V. (Newmont Peñasquito), located in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, are being denied the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. The United States has suspended liquidation of unliquidated entries of goods into this country from the Newmont Peñasquito facility, which produces gold, silver, lead, and zinc. The facility also imports auto parts into the United States.

Today’s action demonstrates the Trump administration’s America First approach, which ensures our trade partners do not undermine worker protections to gain an unfair trade advantage or attract investment. 

The Secretary of Labor and the United States Trade Representative co-chair the Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement (ILC). On May 13, 2026, the ILC received an RRM petition from the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros, Metalúrgicos, Siderúrgicos y Similares de la República Mexicana (Los Mineros), a Mexican labor union. The petition alleges that Newmont Peñasquito has violated workers’ rights by retaliating against workers for engaging in union activity, including through unlawful dismissals. The ILC reviews RRM petitions that it receives, and the accompanying information, within 30 days.

After conducting this review, the ILC determined that there is sufficient, credible evidence of a denial of rights enabling the good faith invocation of enforcement mechanisms. As a result, the United States Trade Representative has submitted a request to Mexico that Mexico review whether workers at Newmont Peñasquito are being denied the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Mexico has 10 days to agree to conduct a review and, if it agrees, 45 days from today to complete the review.

The RRM, developed under the first Trump administration, is an unprecedented trade tool that works to level the playing field for American workers and businesses by addressing weak labor law enforcement in Mexican workplaces that compete in trade with the United States.     

Read the request for review.

Read the letter to the Secretary of the Treasury.

View information about previous requests.

Learn more about the department’s work to make global competition fair for American workers.

Source: US Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling advanced President Donald Trump’s efforts to strengthen the American workforce, support the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing, and expand economic opportunity for American workers and businesses, while participating in the 2026 G7 Labor and Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. 

During the meeting, Acting Secretary Sonderling promoted policies that support American workers and job creatorsthrough economic growth, workforce development, and stronger domestic industry. He championed the department’s Registered Apprenticeship program as a proven model for addressing workforce shortages and supporting reindustrialization efforts. Acting Secretary Sonderling encouraged international partners to combat foreign labor abuse and unfair trade practices that disadvantage American workers and businesses, emphasizing the need for fair global competition. The G7 Labor and Employment Ministers’ Meeting convenes the world’s leading industrialized nations to discuss labor market trends, workforce challenges, and policies that promote economic opportunity and growth,

“As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, the U.S. remains committed to working with our trade partners to raise labor standards and combat unfair practices that hurt American workers and businesses,” said Acting Secretary Sonderling. “Through global workforce policies that expand opportunity, productivity, and fair competition, the U.S. will bolster domestic industry and ensure American workers and businesses can compete and win.”

While in Geneva, Acting Secretary Sonderling convened a roundtable on workforce development and reindustrialization and held bilateral meetings with counterparts from various countries’ governments to discuss shared workforce priorities, labor market challenges, and opportunities for cooperation that support American workers and job creators.

Learn more about the department’s work to make global competition fair for American workers and businesses.

Source: US Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling issued the following statement regarding the May 2026 Employment Situation Report:

“President Trump and this Administration once again produced the best month of job creation since taking office, demolishing economists’ expectations. This Administration is proving the cynics wrong and American workers, families, and businesses are winning.

The May Jobs Report overperformed on every level, adding 172,000 jobs and marking the third consecutive month of positive payroll growth. Thanks to President Trump, manufacturing jobs are up 25,000 in 2026 and construction jobs have increased by 71,000 since he took office – a true testament to this Administration’s priorities.

Under the President’s leadership, American workers are seeing benefits in real time: rising wages, increased affordability, and over 903,000 private sector jobs added. The Department of Labor remains committed to advancing a bold, pro-worker agenda and will continue delivering for the American people.”