INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS MEETING ON PROTECTING VULNERABLE WORKERS

Photo:  Migrant Worker.  Credit:  Wikimedia.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

PROTECTING FARM WORKERS
All workers in the United States have the right to clean, safe working conditions and fair pay, and protecting the rights of vulnerable workers is a priority for the department. Representatives from the department's Wage and Hour Division and other government agencies met with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights last week to discuss government efforts to protect the rights of farmworkers. Addressing about 50 IACHR and government representatives, Wage and Hour Division Assistant Administrator for Policy Michael Hancock described steps the division and other agencies have taken to ensure compliance with employment standards and expand educational outreach. Representatives from the Employment and Training Administration, the Bureau of International Labor Affairs and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also attended.

U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR ENCOURAGES EMPLOYERS TO HIRE MILITARY HEROS

Photo:  The U.S. Navy Blue Anagels.  Credit:  U.S. Navy.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Statement by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis honoring Veterans Day by encouraging US employers to put our military heroes to work

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today released the following statement encouraging U.S. employers to commemorate the Veterans Day holiday Monday by making a commitment to hiring veterans:

"On Monday, America will celebrate the sacrifices of the men and women who've served their country in the armed forces. I strongly believe that the best way we can honor our veterans is to employ them.

"We've now lowered our unemployment rate for our veterans to 6.3 percent – well below the national average – and brought down the jobless rate for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans by more than two percentage points in the last year alone. We're making progress, but our work will not be done until everyone who has worn the uniform can find civilian jobs worthy of their heroic sacrifice.

"Through boot camp and pre-deployment training, the U.S. government spends 8-12 weeks preparing our outstanding soldiers, sailors and airmen to serve. Now that we're winding down a decade of war overseas, it's critical that we spend some time preparing these heroes for the transition back to civilian life. Over the next five years, the Department of Labor will help more than 1 million transitioning service members find jobs when they come home. We're helping them with job search strategies and resume writing, and showing them how to market their world-class military training to secure good-paying civilian jobs.

"Every day, the Labor Department is working to help employers recruit veterans to fill open positions and to go out into local communities to make the case for hiring veterans. America's veterans are dependable, hardworking and loyal. Teamwork and commitment to the mission at hand are hard-wired into their DNA. They've received world-class training from one of the most demanding organizations in the world and been tested in pressure-cooker situations that few of us can imagine.

"Those who fight to protect our freedoms abroad should not have to fight for jobs when they come home. They deserve a chance to use their unique skills to help re-grow our economy. So this Veterans Day, I encourage employers to make the commitment to put our veterans to work for them. It's an act of patriotism that's good for our country and good for their bottom line.

"We're also focused on doing more to assist our homeless veterans, including many women who've come home with unique combat-related problems. On any given night, tens of thousands of vets go to sleep on our streets and under our bridges. We've made huge progress in reducing the number of homeless veterans by focusing on affordable housing first. Once they have shelter, we're helping them find clothing, transportation, medical referrals and jobs. No service member should ever have to come home to homelessness, and with good civilian careers waiting for them, they won't."

U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 3, 2012



Photo:  Sewing Machine.  Credit:  Wikimedia Commons.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending November 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 355,000, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 363,000. The 4-week moving average was 370,500, an increase of 3,250 from the previous week's unrevised average of 367,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent for the week ending October 27, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending October 27 was 3,127,000, a decrease of 135,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,262,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,227,750, a decrease of 38,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,266,250.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 355,406 in the week ending November 3, an increase of 15,489 from the previous week. There were 402,532 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending October 27, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,742,581, a decrease of 94,962 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,210,417.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending October 20 was 5,077,231, an increase of 41,864 from the previous week. There were 6,835,604 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011.

Extended Benefits were only available in New York during the week ending October 20.

Initial claims for UI benefits filed by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,959 in the week ending October 27, an increase of 373 from the prior week. There were 2,656 initial claims filed by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 161 from the preceding week.

There were 18,401 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending October 20, an increase of 257 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 39,541, a decrease of 177 from the prior week.

States reported 2,117,175 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending October 20, an increase of 18,529 from the prior week. There were 2,953,824 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending October 20 were in Alaska (4.5), Puerto Rico (4.0), Virgin Islands (3.7), California (3.2), Pennsylvania (3.2), New Jersey (3.1), Connecticut (3.0), Oregon (2.9), Arkansas (2.7), and Nevada (2.7).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending October 27 were in Oregon (+2,379), Indiana (+1,663), California (+1,139), Minnesota (+592), and Wisconsin (+589), while the largest decreases were in North Carolina (-3,782), Tennessee (-1,756), Maryland (-1,361), Florida (-1,141), and New Jersey (-1,080).

OSHA URGES HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY WORKERS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES

Photo Credit:  U.S. Air Force

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

US Labor Department’s OSHA urges hurricane recovery workers to protect themselves against hazards

BOSTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is urging workers and members of the public engaged in Hurricane Sandy cleanup and recovery efforts in New York, New Jersey and the New England states to be aware of the hazards they might encounter and the steps they should take to protect themselves.

"Storm recovery workers are working around the clock to clean up areas impacted by the storm," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's New York regional administrator. "We want to make sure that workers are aware of the hazards involved in cleanup work and take the necessary precautions to prevent serious injuries."

OSHA field staff members are providing safety assistance, technical support, and information and training to those involved in the recovery efforts. For more information about unsafe work situations, workers and the general public can contact OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

For more information about protecting workers during Hurricane Sandy recovery, visit http://www.osha.gov/sandy/index.html. This comprehensive website offers fact sheets, concise "quick cards," frequently asked questions, safety and health guides, and additional information in English and Spanish.

Cleanup work can involve restoring electricity, communications, and water and sewer services; demolition activities; removal of floodwater from structures; entry into flooded areas; cleaning up debris; tree trimming; structural, roadway, bridge, dam and levee repair; use of cranes, aerial lifts and other heavy equipment; hazardous waste operations; and emergency response activities.

Inherent hazards may include downed electrical wires, carbon monoxide and electrical hazards from portable generators, fall and "struck-by" hazards from tree trimming or working at heights, being caught in unprotected excavations or confined spaces, burns, lacerations, musculoskeletal injuries, being struck by traffic or heavy equipment, and drowning from being caught in moving water or while removing water from flooded structures.

Protective measures include evaluating the work area for all hazards; assuming all power lines are live; using the right personal protective equipment (hard hats, shoes, reflective vests, safety glasses); conducting exposure monitoring where there are chemical hazards; following safe tree cutting procedures to prevent trees from falling on workers; and using fall protection and proper ladder safety when working at heights.

For additional information on grants, cleanup efforts and recovery resources, visit the Labor Department's Hurricane Recovery Assistance Web page, which is being continuously updated at http://www.dol.gov/opa/hurricane-recovery.htm. Also, a checklist of activities to be undertaken before, during and after a hurricane is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information about the agency, visit http://www.osha.gov.

U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR HILDA L. SOLIS COMMENTS ON OCTOBER 2012 JOBS NUMBERS

Photo Credit:  U.S. Navy

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Statement of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis on October employment numbers

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the October 2012 Employment Situation report released today:

"Our nation's labor market added 171,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in October, while the unemployment rate remained essentially unchanged at 7.9 percent. Additionally, our economy added back more than 84,000 jobs in August and September than had been initially reported.

"October's report marks 32 straight months of private sector job growth totaling more than 5.4 million jobs. We've also seen 13 consecutive quarters of private gross domestic product growth. In other words, we've been consistently growing jobs and our economy for several years running.

"Our unemployment rate has dropped by more than two percentage points under President Obama. Unemployment Insurance claims are at a four-year low. Consumer sentiment is at a four-year high. We've added more than a half-million manufacturing jobs over the last 32 months. And we just posted the largest 12-month increase in housing permits since 1983.

"We've transformed a terrible crisis into a stable and durable recovery. To state otherwise is to wage war on the facts. We've erased all of the private sector job losses since the president took office and created an additional 1.2 million new jobs.

"We know what works, and the president has a plan to accelerate our progress by investing in education and job training, and by creating good-paying 21st century jobs in health care, energy, technology and manufacturing. Our recovery depends on building a strong and educated middle class that creates enough demand for the private sector to keep adding new jobs. These efforts are foundational to our success in a 21st century economy."

U.S. WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 27, 2012

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: 

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending October 27, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 363,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 372,000. The 4-week moving average was 367,250, a decrease of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average of 368,750.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent for the week ending October 20, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending October 20 was 3,263,000, an increase of 4,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,259,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,266,500, a decrease of 6,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,272,750.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 339,750 in the week ending October 27, a decrease of 5,476 from the previous week. There were 369,647 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent during the week ending October 20, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,839,018, an increase of 23,295 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,199,527.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending October 13 was 5,035,367, an increase of 112,147 from the previous week. There were 6,783,614 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011.

Extended Benefits were only available in New York during the week ending October 13.

Initial claims for UI benefits filed by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,586 in the week ending October 20, a decrease of 405 from the prior week. There were 2,817 initial claims filed by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 7 from the preceding week.

There were 18,144 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending October 13, an increase of 575 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 39,718, an increase of 1,603 from the prior week.

States reported 2,098,646 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending October 13, an increase of 45,689 from the prior week. There were 2,945,642 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending October 13 were in Alaska (4.0), Puerto Rico (3.7), Virgin Islands (3.4), New Jersey (3.2), California (3.1), Pennsylvania (3.1), Connecticut (3.0), Oregon (2.8), Nevada (2.7), Arkansas (2.6), Illinois (2.6), New York (2.6), and North Carolina (2.6).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending October 20 were in North Carolina (+2,400), Pennsylvania (+1,679), New Jersey (+1,575), Georgia (+1,477), and Tennessee (+888), while the largest decreases were in California (-16,586), Florida (-2,414), Texas (-1,572), Michigan (-1,308), and Ohio (-1,214).

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 20, 2012

Photo Credit:  U.S. Bureau Of Land Management

  FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending October 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 369,000, a decrease of 23,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 392,000. The 4-week moving average was 368,000, an increase of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average of 366,500.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent for the week ending October 13, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending October 13 was 3,254,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,256,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,269,750, a decrease of 6,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,276,500.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 342,702 in the week ending October 20, a decrease of 20,032 from the previous week. There were 377,156 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent during the week ending October 13, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,811,504, an increase of 63,421 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,196,554.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending October 6 was 4,917,460, a decrease of 84,525 from the previous week. There were 6,679,024 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011.

Extended Benefits were only available in New York during the week ending October 6.

Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,991 in the week ending October 13, an increase of 49 from the prior week. There were 2,824 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 638 from the preceding week.

There were 17,559 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending October 6, an increase of 680 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 38,069, a decrease of 393 from the prior week.

States reported 2,052,957 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending October 6, a decrease of 45,836 from the prior week. There were 2,921,937 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending October 6 were in Alaska (3.9), Puerto Rico (3.8), Virgin Islands (3.8), California (3.0), New Jersey (3.0), Pennsylvania (3.0), Oregon (2.8), Nevada (2.7), New York (2.6), Arkansas (2.5), Connecticut (2.5), Illinois (2.5), and North Carolina (2.5).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending October 13 were in California (+26,935), Florida (+3,947), Ohio (+1,936), Washington (+1,435), and Alaska (+1,383), while the largest decreases were in New York (-3,395), New Jersey (-1,311), Georgia (-1,285), Massachusetts (-1,141), and Kentucky (-982).

U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 6, 2012

Photo:  Cooking.  Credit:  U.S. Navy 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending October 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 339,000, a decrease of 30,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 369,000. The 4-week moving average was 364,000, a decrease of 11,500 from the previous week's revised average of 375,500.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending September 29, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending September 29 was 3,273,000, a decrease of 15,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,288,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,279,250, a decrease of 7,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,287,000.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 327,063 in the week ending October 6, an increase of 25,990 from the previous week. There were 405,906 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent during the week ending September 29, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,778,396, a decrease of 42,837 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,113,245.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending September 22 was 5,044,649, a decrease of 43,970 from the previous week. There were 6,819,938 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011.

Extended Benefits were only available in New York during the week ending September 22.

Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,545 in the week ending September 29, an increase of 230 from the prior week. There were 2,514 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 4 from the preceding week.

There were 17,283 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending September 22, an increase of 704 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 38,511, a decrease of 18 from the prior week.

States reported 2,106,072 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending September 22, a decrease of 36,977 from the prior week. There were 3,016,035 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending September 22 were in Puerto Rico (3.9), Alaska (3.7), Virgin Islands (3.7), Pennsylvania (3.2), New Jersey (3.1), California (3.1), Connecticut (2.9), Nevada (2.7), and Oregon (2.7).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending September 29 were in New York (+2,764), California (+2,069), North Carolina (+1,217), Pennsylvania (+989), and Arkansas (+538), while the largest decreases were in Mississippi (-3,393), Michigan (-2,639), Florida (-1,972), Ohio (-1,723), and Oregon (-1,135).

GRANTS ANNOUNCED TO HELP REDUCE CHILD LABOR IN ECUADOR AND PANAMA

In Ecuador:  A statue of the "Virgin of the Apocalypse" on El Panecillo (Bread Loaf Hill), overlooking Quito. The 45 m- (148 ft-) tall aluminum statue depicts the Virgin Mary with wings. From: CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

US Department of Labor announces $10 million in funding to reduce child labor in Ecuador and Panama, solicits grant applications

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs is seeking eligible applicants under two competitive grant solicitations to implement projects that will reduce child labor in Ecuador and Panama.

Under the first solicitation, ILAB will award $6.5 million to reduce child labor in Ecuador and Panama by providing education to children as well as livelihood services for their households that help decrease families' dependence on child labor to meet basic needs. Under the second solicitation, ILAB will award $3.5 million to strengthen policy and enforcement efforts that will reduce child labor in these countries. In Ecuador, these grants also will support policies and services that address the education and livelihood needs of child laborers affected by disabilities.

Eligible applicants may submit proposals for one or both solicitations. Applicants responding to either solicitation must respond to the entire scope of work and demonstrate a proven ability to manage complex projects designed to improve the lives of children.

Applications must be submitted by Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. EST electronically via http://www.grants.gov or as hard copies to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Procurement Services, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Room S-4307, Washington, DC 20210, Attention: Brenda White and James Kinslow.

Congress has appropriated funds for ILAB to conduct technical cooperation projects to combat child labor internationally. ILAB grants help rescue children from exploitative labor and strengthen the capacity of governments to address the issue in a sustainable way.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 6, 2012

Photo Credit:  U.S. Bureau Of Land Management

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending October 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 339,000, a decrease of 30,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 369,000. The 4-week moving average was 364,000, a decrease of 11,500 from the previous week's revised average of 375,500.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending September 29, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending September 29 was 3,273,000, a decrease of 15,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,288,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,279,250, a decrease of 7,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,287,000.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 327,063 in the week ending October 6, an increase of 25,990 from the previous week. There were 405,906 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent during the week ending September 29, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,778,396, a decrease of 42,837 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,113,245.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending September 22 was 5,044,649, a decrease of 43,970 from the previous week. There were 6,819,938 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011.

Extended Benefits were only available in New York during the week ending September 22.

Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,545 in the week ending September 29, an increase of 230 from the prior week. There were 2,514 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 4 from the preceding week.

There were 17,283 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending September 22, an increase of 704 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 38,511, a decrease of 18 from the prior week.

States reported 2,106,072 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending September 22, a decrease of 36,977 from the prior week. There were 3,016,035 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending September 22 were in Puerto Rico (3.9), Alaska (3.7), Virgin Islands (3.7), Pennsylvania (3.2), New Jersey (3.1), California (3.1), Connecticut (2.9), Nevada (2.7), and Oregon (2.7).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending September 29 were in New York (+2,764), California (+2,069), North Carolina (+1,217), Pennsylvania (+989), and Arkansas (+538), while the largest decreases were in Mississippi (-3,393), Michigan (-2,639), Florida (-1,972), Ohio (-1,723), and Oregon (-1,135).

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AND BIG BUCKS FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS SUPPORTING U.S. MANUFACTURING

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Obama administration announces $20 million for 10 public-private partnerships to support American manufacturing and encourage investment in the US

Investments will promote job creation and economic growth in local industry clusters in Ariz., Calif., Mich., NY, Okla., Ore., Pa., Tenn. and Wash.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration today announced that 10 public-private partnerships across America will receive $20 million in total awards to help revitalize American manufacturing and encourage companies to invest in the United States.

The 10 partnerships were selected through the Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, which is a competitive multi-agency grant process announced in May 2012 to support initiatives that strengthen advanced manufacturing at the local level. These public-private partnerships consist of small and large businesses, colleges, nonprofits and other local stakeholders that "cluster" in a particular area. The funds will help the winning clusters support local efforts to spur job creation through a variety of projects, including initiatives that connect innovative small suppliers with large companies, link research with the startups that can commercialize new ideas, and train workers with skills that firms need to capitalize on business opportunities.

The Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge is a partnership among the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Science Foundation.

In order to create an economy built to last, America needs to make more things the rest of the world wants to buy. After losing millions of good manufacturing jobs in the years before and during the deep recession, the economy has added nearly 500,000 manufacturing jobs since February 2010 — the strongest period of sustained job growth since the 1990s. While there's more work to be done, steps like today's announcement build on this momentum.

"By partnering across the federal government, these grants will help us leverage resources and ensure that training programs for advanced manufacturing careers provide the skills, certifications and credentials that employers want to see from day one," Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said.

"A strong manufacturing base in America is critical to the health of the U.S. economy, and these awards further demonstrate the Obama administration's commitment to keeping this country on the cutting edge of innovation in manufacturing," said acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank. "This investment will help accelerate and unleash the most promising ideas in advanced manufacturing, and bring those ideas to market. This will lead to good jobs for American workers, increase the nation's competitiveness, and strengthen an economy that's built to last."

The awards will help regional clusters grow by strengthening their connections to regional economic development opportunities and advanced manufacturing assets, helping develop a skilled and diverse advanced manufacturing workforce, increasing exports, encouraging the development of small businesses, and accelerating innovation in technology. The 10 winning initiatives — based in Arizona, California, Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Washington — will each receive approximately $2 million to fund projects that are expected to train a total of 1,000 workers and help nearly 650 companies leverage a cluster's resources in their regions and create jobs across the country.

"As part of President Obama's blueprint for an economy built to last, the Energy Department is investing in innovative, public-private initiatives like the Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge that support the pillars of American energy, American manufacturing and skills for American workers," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "These investments are helping America strengthen our competitive edge and leadership in the global manufacturing sector."

"The SBA pioneered the federal government's first regional cluster strategy two years ago, and we've already seen the tangible benefits of these investments, including job creation, innovation and increased competitiveness," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "These 10 new advanced manufacturing jobs and innovation accelerators are proof that we can continue to build on — and complement — the success that we've already achieved and support strong ecosystems of small businesses in targeted regions throughout the country and across key industries. Additionally, by supporting our small innovative manufacturing companies, we are fostering the growth of the American supply chain and creating an economy built to last."

As part of President Obama's commitment to creating an economy built to last, the administration has invested more than $200 million promoting regional innovation clusters. The administration created an interagency task force, known as the Taskforce for the Advancement of Regional Innovation Clusters, to develop and administer interagency grant competitions. This is the third round of the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge and, in addition to the six partnering agencies, this initiative leverages technical assistance from up to eight other federal agencies.

The 10 winners announced today are:
Arizona: growing the Southern Arizona Aerospace and Defense Region, a project of the Arizona Commerce Authority ($1,817,000).
California: Advanced Manufacturing Medical/Biosciences Pipeline for Economic Development, a project of Contra Costa County, Manex, the University of California — Berkley, Laney College and the Northern California Small Business Development Center at Humboldt State University ($2,190,779).
Michigan: Innovation Realization: Building and Supporting an Advanced Contract Manufacturing Cluster in Southeast Michigan, a project of the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences and Detroit Regional Chamber Foundation ($2,191,962).
New York: a Proposal to Accelerate Innovations in Advanced Manufacturing of Thermal and Environmental Control Systems, a project of Syracuse University, NYSTAR, the State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Onondaga Community College ($1,889,890).
New York: Rochester Regional Optics, Photonics and Imaging Accelerator, a project of the University of Rochester, NYSTAR and High Tech Rochester Inc. ($1,889,936).
Oklahoma: Manufacturing Improvement Program for the Oil and Gas Industry Supply Chain and Marketing Cluster, a project of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, the New Product Development Center at Oklahoma State University, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Center for International Trade and Development at Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma Application Engineer Program ($1,941,999).
Pennsylvania: Agile Electro-Mechanical Product Accelerator, a project of Innovation Works, the Catalyst Connection, the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining and the Westmoreland/Fayette Workforce Investment Board ($1,862,150).
Pennsylvania: Greater Philadelphia Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Skills Accelerator, a project of the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center ($1,892,000).
Tennessee: AMP! — the Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping Center of East Tennessee, a project of Technology 2020, the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pellissippi State Community College and the University of Tennessee ($2,391,778).
Washington and Oregon: Innovations in Advanced Materials and Metals, a project of the Columbia River Economic Development Council, Impact Washington, Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council and the Oregon Microenterprise Network ($1,792,221).

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Michigan Lumberjacks.  Circa:  1890's

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending September 22, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 359,000, a decrease of 26,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 385,000. The 4-week moving average was 374,000, a decrease of 4,500 from the previous week's revised average of 378,500.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending September 15, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending September 15 was 3,271,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,275,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,295,500, a decrease of 15,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,310,500.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 300,661 in the week ending September 22, a decrease of 29,702 from the previous week. There were 328,073 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent during the week ending September 15, a decline of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,833,088, a decrease of 94,416 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,207,559.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending September 8 was 5,173,586, a decrease of 11 from the previous week. There were 6,983,307 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011

Extended Benefits were not available in any states during the week ending September 8.

Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,270 in the week ending September 15, an increase of 308 from the prior week. There were 2,909 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 194 from the preceding week.

There were 17,029 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending September 8, an increase of 419 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 38,128, an increase of 1,035 from the prior week.

States reported 2,160,448 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending September 8, a decrease of 2,084 from the prior week. There were 3,036,635 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending September 8 were in Puerto Rico (3.9), Alaska (3.6), New Jersey (3.5), Pennsylvania (3.4), California (3.1), Connecticut (3.1), Nevada (2.9), New York (2.8), Oregon (2.8), and Arkansas (2.7).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending September 15 were in California (+18,522), Michigan (+3,522), Florida (+2,018), New York (+1,969), and Indiana (+1,739), while the largest decreases were in Louisiana (-4,150), Puerto Rico (-854), Missouri (-811), Kentucky (-710), and Mississippi (-518).

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 15, 2012



Photo Credit:  NASA

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending September 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 382,000, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 385,000. The 4-week moving average was 377,750, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week's revised average of 375,750.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending September 8, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending September 8 was 3,272,000, a decrease of 32,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,304,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,309,750, a decrease of 12,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,321,750.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 327,797 in the week ending September 15, an increase of 28,068 from the previous week. There were 353,820 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent during the week ending September 8, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,925,518, a decrease of 5,307 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.6 percent and the volume was 3,306,720.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending September 1 was 5,173,597, a decrease of 217,823 from the previous week. There were 6,887,930 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011

Extended Benefits were not available in any states during the week ending September 1.

Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 962 in the week ending September 8, a decrease of 259 from the prior week. There were 2,715 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 175 from the preceding week.

There were 16,610 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending September 1, a decrease of 823 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 37,093, a decrease of 1,308 from the prior week.

States reported 2,162,532 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending September 1, a decrease of 60,539 from the prior week. There were 2,997,259 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending September 1 were in Puerto Rico (4.1), New Jersey (3.6), Alaska (3.5), Pennsylvania (3.5), Connecticut (3.3), California (3.1), New York (3.0), Nevada (2.9), Oregon (2.8), and Massachusetts (2.7).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending September 8 were in Louisiana (+6,678), Puerto Rico (+1,679), Mississippi (+1,067), Wisconsin (+988), and Washington (+833), while the largest decreases were in California (-8,163), New York (-3,449), Michigan (-2,115), Pennsylvania
(-1,624), and Iowa (-1,214).

$500 MILLION GOING FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRANTS TO EXPAND JOB TRAINING

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Obama administration announces $500 million in community college grants to expand job training through local employer partnerships

Grants are the 2nd installment of $2 billion, 4-year initiative
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced $500 million in grants to community colleges and universities around the country for the development and expansion of innovative training programs. The grants are part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative, which promotes skills development and employment opportunities in fields such as advanced manufacturing, transportation and health care, as well as science, technology, engineering and math careers through partnerships between training providers and local employers. The U.S. Department of Labor is implementing and administering the program in coordination with the U.S. Department of Education.

Speaking in Florida at St. Petersburg College, which is receiving $15 million in funds to lead a consortium of community colleges across the state in developing programs focused on advanced manufacturing, Secretary Solis said: "These federal grants are part of the Obama administration's ongoing commitment to strengthening American businesses by strengthening the American workforce. This strategic investment will enhance ties among community colleges, universities, employers and other local partners while ensuring that students have access to the skills and resources they need to compete for high-wage, high-skill careers."

The initiative complements President Obama's broader goals to help ensure that every American has at least one year of postsecondary education and the U.S. has the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. Through this initiative, each state plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will receive at least $2.5 million in dedicated funding for community college career training programs.

In total, 297 schools will receive grants as individual applicants or as members of a consortium. The grants include 27 awards to community college and university consortia totaling $359,237,048 and 27 awards to individual institutions totaling $78,262,952. Twenty-five states that were without a winning individual submission will be contacted to develop a qualifying $2.5 million project.

Educational institutions will use these funds to create affordable training programs that meet industry needs, invest in staff and educational resources, and provide access to free, digital learning materials. All education materials developed through the grants will be available for use by the public and other education providers through a Creative Commons license.

These grants emphasize evidence-based program design. Each grantee is required to collect rigorous student outcome data annually and conduct final evaluations at the end of the grant period to build knowledge about which strategies are most effective in placing graduates in jobs.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ASSESSES PENALTY FOR MINOR'S INJURIES

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Nebraska auction company assessed more than $46,000 in penalties for child labor violations after underage worker suffers serious injury while herding cattle

VALENTINE, Neb. — The U.S. Department of Labor has assessed a total of $46,602 in civil money penalties against Valentine Livestock Auction Co. in Nebraska after a 15-year-old employee was crushed against a metal gate by a stampeding calf while herding cattle in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act's child labor provisions.

The injured minor was pinned against a fence by the animal, estimated to weigh between 600 and 700 pounds, before being knocked to the ground and trampled, resulting in multiple injuries. She was airlifted to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where she remained for 40 days.

An investigation by the Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division found a total of 26 violations of the FLSA's child labor provisions, including of occupational standards for allowing five minors to work herding cattle; employing three youths under the legal age of employment; employing minors outside of allowable time standards; and failing to record birth dates for 10 minor employees. Additionally, the division found one violation of Hazardous Occupations Order No. 2, which generally prohibits minors from operating motor vehicles, and three violations of Hazardous Occupations Order No. 5, which prohibits minors from operating power-driven woodworking machines.

"This case is another clear example of why it is critical for employers to keep minors safe on the job by learning and complying with America's child labor laws," said Michael Staebell, director of the Wage and Hour Division's Des Moines Area Office in Iowa, which conducted the investigation. "The protection of our working youth is paramount. Employers need to take their responsibilities under the law very seriously. No monetary penalty can undo an injury to a child, but the penalties assessed in this case demonstrate that the Labor Department will use every enforcement tool available to ensure compliance with the regulations we enforce."

The company erroneously believed it was classified as an agricultural employer and thus subject to the FLSA's child labor in agriculture regulations, rather than the regulations pertaining to nonagricultural employers. After the division informed the employer of its status as a nonagricultural employer, the company took steps to comply and to ensure that future violations would not take place. Managers have been trained in child labor regulations, and the company has committed to additional ongoing training. The company also pledged to only allow 14- and 15-year-old employees to perform office work. The civil money penalties assessed have been paid in full.

SECRETARY OF LABOR HILDA L. SOLIS COMMENTS ON UNEMPLOYMENT AUGUST NUMBERS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Statement by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on August employment numbers

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the August 2012 Employment Situation report released today:

"Our nation's labor market added 96,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in August, while the unemployment rate dropped to 8.1 percent.

"When President Obama came into office, the economy was in a free fall, credit markets were frozen, and our nation was bleeding hundreds of thousands of jobs a month. We've now added back 4.6 million private sector jobs over the last 30 months, including nearly 2 million in the last year alone.

"An economic crisis that was decades in the making will not be solved overnight, but our recovery remains on a stable trajectory of positive job growth. Smart and steady wins the race.

"It's worth noting that, in the 38 months since the end of the recession in June 2009, we've created three times as many private sector jobs as we had at the same point following the 2001 recession.

"To continue our path forward, Congress must reject the voices who seek to gut funding for education and skills training at this pivotal moment for our nation. We have to make a college education affordable for every student willing to work hard, invest in skills training so Americans workers can compete in a 21st century economy and prevent a tax increase on middle-class families. We know that an enduring recovery must be built from the middle out and the bottom up —not the top down. That's the key to securing our long-term prosperity."

OVERVIEW: THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

Photo Credit:  U.S. Navy.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA)

U.S. Department of Labor
Employee Benefits Security Administration
December 2004

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) offers protections for millions of American workers that improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage.

HIPAA Protects Workers And Their Families By

Limiting exclusions for preexisting medical conditions (known as preexisting conditions).
Providing credit against maximum preexisting condition exclusion periods for prior health coverage and a process for providing certificates showing periods of prior coverage to a new group health plan or health insurance issuer.
Providing new rights that allow individuals to enroll for health coverage when they lose other health coverage, get married or add a new dependent.
Prohibiting discrimination in enrollment and in premiums charged to employees and their dependents based on health status-related factors.
Guaranteeing availability of health insurance coverage for small employers and renewability of health insurance coverage for both small and large employers.
Preserving the states’ role in regulating health insurance, including the states’ authority to provide greater protections than those available under federal law.

Preexisting Condition Exclusions

The law defines a preexisting condition as one for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received during the 6-month period prior to an individual’s enrollment date (which is the earlier of the first day of health coverage or the first day of any waiting period for coverage).
Group health plans and issuers may not exclude an individual’s preexisting medical condition from coverage for more than 12 months (18 months for late enrollees) after an individual’s enrollment date.
Under HIPAA, a new employer’s plan must give individuals credit for the length of time they had prior continuous health coverage, without a break in coverage of 63 days or more, thereby reducing or eliminating the 12-month exclusion period (18 months for late enrollees).

Creditable Coverage

Includes prior coverage under another group health plan, an individual health insurance policy, COBRA, Medicaid, Medicare, CHAMPUS, the Indian Health Service, a state health benefits risk pool, FEHBP, the Peace Corps Act, or a public health plan.

Certificates Of Creditable Coverage

Certificates of creditable coverage must be provided automatically and free of charge by the plan or issuer when an individual loses coverage under the plan, becomes entitled to elect COBRA continuation coverage or exhausts COBRA continuation coverage. A certificate must also be provided free of charge upon request while you have health coverage or anytime within 24 months after your coverage ends.
Certificates of creditable coverage should contain information about the length of time you or your dependents had coverage as well as the length of any waiting period for coverage that applied to you or your dependents.
For plan years beginning on or after July 1, 2005, certificates of creditable coverage should also include an educational statement that describes individuals' HIPAA portability rights. A new model cerfiticate is available on EBSAs Web site.
If a certificate is not received, or the information on the certificate is wrong, you should contact your prior plan or issuer. You have a right to show prior creditable coverage with other evidence — like pay stubs, explanation of benefits, letters from a doctor — if you cannot get a certificate.

Special Enrollment Rights

Are provided for individuals who lose their coverage in certain situations, including on separation, divorce, death, termination of employment and reduction in hours. Special enrollment rights also are provided if employer contributions toward the other coverage terminates.
Are provided for employees, their spouses and new dependents upon marriage, birth, adoption or placement for adoption.

Discrimination Prohibitions

Ensure that individuals are not excluded from coverage, denied benefits, or charged more for coverage offered by a plan or issuer, based on health status-related factors.

This fact sheet has been developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Washington, DC 20210. It will be made available in alternate formats upon request: Voice phone: 202.693.8664; Text telephone: 202.501.3911. In addition, the information in this fact sheet constitutes a small entity compliance guide for purposes of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

HOMEWORKERS AND THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

Photo:  Howe Sewing Machine.  Credit:  Wikimedia
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Fact Sheet: Homeworkers Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

This fact sheet provides general information concerning the application of the FLSA to homeworkers.

Characteristics

Under the FLSA, industrial homework means the production by any person in or about a home, apartment, tenement, or room in a residential establishment, of goods for an employer who suffers or permits such production, regardless of the source (whether obtained from an employer or elsewhere) of the materials used by the homeworker in such production.

Coverage

The FLSA applies to homeworkers who are covered on an "individual" basis or whose employer is covered on an "enterprise" basis. The enterprise coverage test requires a specified annual dollar volume of business. However, in most instances, a homeworker is covered under the FLSA on the basis of individual coverage (i.e. production of goods for out of state shipment and/or receipt of out of state materials or goods used in the production process).

Requirements

Homework requires certification in only seven specific industries: women's apparel, jewelry manufacturing, knitted outerwear, gloves and mittens, button and buckle manufacturing, handkerchief manufacturing and embroideries. Certification occurs when the employer obtains an employer certificate, or homeworkers obtain individual certification, from the Department's Wage and Hour Division, authorizing such work. Certified employers of homeworkers in these industries will be required to renew their certificate every two years. Employer certification is not available for women's apparel and certain hazardous jewelry manufacturing operations; only individual certification is permitted. Homework under the FLSA is not restricted in any industry other than those listed above. However, all individually covered homework is subject to the FLSA's minimum wage, overtime and recordkeeping requirements.

Homeworker employees must be paid the Federal minimum wage. This rate must be met regardless of whether the worker is paid by time, piece, job, incentive, or any other basis. The cost of tools, tool repair, or other similar requirements, may not be borne by the worker where such cost would reduce the wages paid below the required minimum wageor in any way reduce wages due for overtime hours. Overtime must be paid at one and one-half times the employee's regular rate of pay for each hour worked in excess of 40 hours in any workweek. The regular rate includes all remuneration for employment, such as piece rate earnings and commissions paid. Time and one-half of the average piece rate of pay is to be paid for hours worked over 40 per week, if the average is greater than the employee's regular rate of pay (never less than the required minimum wage).

Records which must be kept for all employees include: name, social security number, home address and telephone number, date of birth (if under 19 years of age), hours worked each day (including time spent transporting), total hours worked each workweek, basis of pay computations, regular pay, overtime premium pay, total gross pay, deductions (specifying the nature and amount of each), and net pay. All employees who have been hired since November of 1986 must also fill out the I-9 form, required by INS.

When employing homeworkers, a separate homeworker handbook is required. These handbooks are available through Wage and Hour offices. Employers are responsible for insuring that handbooks are completed as required. The handbooks require homeworkers to also list business related expenses, such as equipment and supplies.

In the case of clerical workers who may perform duties at home on only an occasional or sporadic basis, employers are not required to follow homework regulations. However, all hours, including the time worked at home, must be recorded and compensated as required by the FLSA for every employee.

Typical Problems

(1) Employer improperly treats homeworkers as "independent contractors".

(2) Employer fails to maintain required record of hours, production, etc., or fails to instruct the employee to record the required data in the DOL homeworker handbook.

(3) Employer fails to assure that homeworker paid on piece rate basis has earned the minimum wage.

(4) The employer must bear the cost of tools purchased as well as tool maintenance and repair to the extent that these costs cut into theminimum wage or overtime wages required.

(5) Employer fails to count as hours worked preparatory and concluding activities, time spent at the shop, travel time and training time.

(6) Employer fails to ensure proper certification for the restricted industries.

　

This publication is for general information and is not to be considered in the same light as official statements of position contained in the regulations.

SECRETARY OF LABOR SOLIS'S STATEMENT ON LABOR DAY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Statement on Labor Day by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement today to commemorate Labor Day on Sept. 3:

"On the first Monday of September, we honor the workers who built the world's strongest economy. This Labor Day, as the U.S. Department of Labor approaches our centennial celebration, I take extra pride in the historic efforts of today's workers to drive our recovery by learning new skills and adapting to new challenges.

"For more than two centuries, the prospect of work has drawn people to our shores to pursue new opportunities and dreams of a better life. The demands on our workers have changed over the generations, but we've always risen to the occasion.

"During the Industrial Age, factory workers saw their knowledge and paychecks grow as they mastered new processes to mass produce everything from automobiles to armaments. Following the Great Depression, more than 6 million women joined the workforce, clocking in at shipyards, lumber mills and foundries, and their production helped us win the Great War. And the Internet age carried the talents of our workers across the globe, as our ideas and products reached new markets and brought the world closer together.

"As I mark my fourth Labor Day as the nation's secretary of labor, I'm inspired by job seekers from all walks of life in this country going back to school and upgrading their skills to match the demands of a 21st century global economy. I'm impressed by communities coming together and new partnerships being formed among employers, labor unions and community colleges. And I'm reminded that for this federal agency and this administration, Labor Day has been, and will always be, every single day.