Labor & Employment

Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards

MSHA published a petition filed by Marfork Coal requesting modification of existing mandatory safety standards applicable to mining operations. The petition seeks to alter how current safety requirements apply to the company's specific mining conditions. MSHA is soliciting public comments on this petition, with the comment period closing on May 4, 2026.

Affirmative Decisions on MSHA Modification Petitions Granted

MSHA published a notice announcing affirmative decisions on petitions for modification submitted by mining operations. The decisions grant modifications to existing safety standards for specific mine sites. This is a routine administrative action with no new compliance requirements imposed on the mining industry.

Women in Michigan Workforce Report - Pay Gaps and Childcare Barriers

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity published its 2026 Women in the Michigan Workforce report, showing women represent nearly half the state labor force. The report documents a pay gap of 79 cents per dollar earned by men, with women's median earnings at $52,390 compared to $66,130 for men. The gap widened from 82 cents in 2023 as men's earnings grew faster at 5.9% versus 2.8% for women.

Michigan Organizations Receive Grants for Employee Transportation Programs

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) awarded $60,000 in grant funding through the Reliable Rides Incentive Grant Pilot Program to three organizations for developing employee transportation programs. Each recipient receives $20,000 to implement workforce transportation initiatives targeting employment barriers. Recipients include Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church (Flint), LM Manufacturing (Detroit), and Manthei Wood Products (Petoskey).

Iowa Awards $250,000 in Grants to Boost Youth Internships

Iowa Workforce Development announced $250,000 in Summer Youth Internship Grants to nine organizations across Iowa. The grants will serve nearly 200 youth in high-demand industries including healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades. Awardees range from healthcare hospitals to educational institutions and manufacturing firms.

Idaho Economists Analyze Migration Housing Work-from-Home Trends

Idaho Department of Labor economists will host an April 7, 2026 webinar analyzing the U.S. Census Bureau's first full post-pandemic 5-year American Community Survey data for Idaho counties. The webinar will cover migration, housing, and work-from-home trends. No regulatory obligations or compliance requirements are created by this informational announcement.

Georgia Unemployment 3.5%, Record Labor Force Highs

Georgia Department of Labor announced January 2026 employment statistics showing 3.5% unemployment (0.8 percentage points below the national rate), record labor force of 5,445,612 and record employment of 5,252,878. Job gains in healthcare/social assistance (+22,200 YoY) and construction (+5,700 YoY) offset losses in federal government (-12,500 YoY).

OMFS Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Fee Adjustments

The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has issued an administrative order adjusting the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) for Pathology and Clinical Laboratory services. The adjustment conforms the state workers' compensation fee schedule to Medicare's calendar year 2026 quarter 2 update, as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The updated fees are effective for services rendered on or after April 1, 2026.

Wisconsin January 2026 Unemployment Rate Statistics

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released January 2026 preliminary employment statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.3%, up 0.3 percentage points from December, though remaining 1.0 percentage points below the national rate of 4.3%. Total employment reached 3,017,400 with a labor force participation rate of 64.3%.

Worker Training Grants Program

Wisconsin DWD announces approximately $1 million in Wisconsin Fast Forward grants available to employers of all sizes and sectors. Grants range from $5,000 to $400,000+ and reimburse costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and existing workers. Applications are due 3 p.m. CST on May 4, 2026.