State of the Union

Following President Donald J. Trump's State of the Union Address, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued a statement underscoring the Administration's support for America's workers. "President Trump's State of the Union address clearly showed that America's workers are at the heart of his Administration," he said.

Investing In Workers

In Atlanta, Georgia, Secretary Acosta visited Delta Air Lines training facilities to see firsthand how they are investing in their workforce and creating pathways to family-sustaining careers. The Administration is developing a national strategy to ensure workers learn skills needed for careers in high-demand industries, such as the aviation industry.

Women's Initiative

The Trump Administration announced the launch of the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative this week. In a statement, Secretary Acosta described how the Department will support the Initiative through efforts to promote the development of in-demand job skills among women in the workforce, the identification of entrepreneurship opportunities, and the creation of an empowering environment for working women to flourish in the global economy.

In-Demand Job Skills in Mississippi

Secretary Acosta joined Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant today to tour the Continental Tire Training Center and Mississippi Coding Academy. During the visits, Secretary Acosta and Governor Bryant met with workers preparing for jobs at a new tire factory, learned about efforts to prepare students for computer programming careers, and held a roundtable discussion with workforce development leaders.

In Case You Missed It

Compliance Assistance

To provide compliance assistance to employers, the Department launched an enhanced electronic version of its Fair Labor Standards Act reference guide.

Safety in Agriculture

OSHA has formed an Alliance to improve worker safety in the agricultural industry and developed a new video explaining the agency's safety inspection process.

Back Wages

After a Department investigation, a Florida grocery store will pay $198,039 in back wages and damages for minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping violations.

Wages Restored

After a Department investigation, a Florida construction company must pay $38,544 in back wages and damages for overtime and recordkeeping violations.

Fraud Sentencing

A U.S. District Court has sentenced a California dockworkers union member for defrauding the union's welfare plan and ordered him to pay $201,000 in restitution.

Compensation

OSHA has ordered a Vermont real estate company to compensate a whistleblower fired for reporting finance industry violations $42,693.

Stat of the Week

Wage Growth

Average hourly earnings increased by 3.2 percent over the last 12 months, and wages have grown at or above 3.0 percent for six straight months.