Protecting railroad workers, organi zing progress, youth grants and more

Working together to keep railroad workers safe

OSHA is collaborating with the Federal Railroad Administration to protect the safety and health of railroad workers in light of the Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and other recent events. Making sure railroad workers are empowered to report safety issues without fear of retaliation is an important part of our efforts.

Latest Worker Organizing Task Force report shows continued progress

The White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment has released an update on the status of the 70+ action items from the task forces first report aimed at reducing barriers to organizing and supporting workers rights. Learn more about the progress the Labor Department and other agencies have made over the past year:

Combating illegal labor practices

We filed a lawsuit to stop a New York staffing agency from requiring employees to return their wages if they worked for fewer than three years, among other illegal practices. Its outrageous, but hardly the only example of companies using abusive mandatory arbitration clauses in employment contracts.

Safety deficiencies found following fatal explosion at BP plant

After an explosion at an Ohio BP refinery killed two workers, OSHA investigators found the employer violated process safety procedures for highly hazardous materials and failed to adequately train workers. BP Products North America was cited for 11 violations and faces the maximum proposed penalties.

$15M available to help young people prepare for college and career success

Were making $15 million available in grant funding to support programs that help youth particularly those in rural areas, people of color and people with disabilities overcome obstacles to educational and workforce success with training and career guidance.

Back wages recovered for construction workers

We recovered $633,029 in back wages for 84 workers denied their full wages and benefits by subcontractors involved in construction of an affordable housing development funded by the District of Columbia.

$20M in American Rescue Plan funding awarded to improve access to unemployment benefits

To help identify and address barriers to accessing state unemployment insurance benefits, weve awarded nearly $20 million in equity grants to Florida, Mississippi, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Fashion dont

Garment workers are paid some of the lowest wages in the nation, sometimes as little as $1.58 per hour and they make clothing for many retailers you know.

Protecting young workers

After our investigators found 19 minors working in violation of child labor laws at Dunkin franchise locations in Maryland and West Virginia, the employer has agreed to prevent future violations.

Supporting firefighters

Our Office of Workers Compensation Programs is advancing fairness for federal firefighters by improving the claims process for certain diseases and illnesses.

Migrant worker wages

Through a new pilot program, were collaborating with the Mexican government to return back wages owed to migrant workers who were employed in the U.S.

Black lung on the rise

New research shows modern coal miners have increasing rates of black lung disease and other lung conditions, underscoring the need for a strong Federal Black Lung Program.

Wages recovered

The owner of two poultry catching facilities in Alabama and North Carolina denied 322 employees their full earned wages, investigators found.

Pay your workers

A Honolulu substance abuse treatment facility must pay $451,989 to 34 workers after investigators found the facility paid some workers as little as $400 per month.

A veteran success story

Once he faced unemployment and housing instability. Today veteran Wil Lowe is thriving, thanks to a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program grantee.

WORKER RESOURCES

Retirement savings tips

The difference between womens and mens salaries also means women have less money they can save towards their retirement. Here are some tips on achieving a secure retirement and other financial goals.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

.@USDOL and @STPS_mx are committed to returning the $6.5 million in earned back wages collected by @WHD_DOL to approximately 13,000 Mexican migrant workers who were employed in the United States: blog.dol.gov/2023/03/17/returning-what-is-owed-to-migrant-workers
-@ILAB_DOL