Labor & Employment

Kitchen Porter v Restaurant - Constructive Dismissal Claim

The Workplace Relations Commission rejected a constructive dismissal claim from a kitchen porter who resigned from a restaurant after a disciplinary process. The worker, who lacked 12 months of service required for Unfair Dismissals Act protection, submitted her claim under the Industrial Relations Act 1969. The Adjudication Officer found no grounds to recommend compensation.

Oregon Unemployment Rate and Nonfarm Payroll Employment January 2026

The Oregon Employment Department released January 2026 employment data showing Oregon's unemployment rate at 5.2% (vs. 4.3% nationally). Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 2,000 jobs. Major gains were in leisure and hospitality (+1,800), health care and social assistance (+1,500), and construction (+1,000), while manufacturing (-1,500) and professional and business services (-1,300) saw losses.

TÜV SÜD Product Services Voluntary NRTL Termination

OSHA announced the voluntary termination of TÜV SÜD Product Services GmbH's (TUVPSG) recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), effective March 5, 2026. TUVPSG notified OSHA on May 22, 2025, that it would not seek renewal of its recognition expiring March 5, 2026, and transferred existing certifications to TÜV SÜD America, Inc.

Business Services Quarterly Newsletter Highlights Job Fairs and Program Success

The Fargo Workforce Center (North Dakota) published its quarterly Business Services Newsletter highlighting outcomes from recent job fairs including the FM Spring Job Fair and Virtual Job Fair. The newsletter features a success story from the New American Employment Program and announces the retirement of Executive Director Pat Bertagnolli.

Asbestos Management Inspections During Awareness Week

HSE is marking Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1–7 April 2026) by conducting unannounced inspections of premises and construction sites to verify asbestos management compliance. Building owners, landlords, and tradespeople who fail to manage asbestos risks face prosecution, fines, and criminal records.

TÜV SÜD Product Services GmbH Voluntary NRTL Termination

OSHA published a notice announcing that TÜV SÜD Product Services GmbH voluntarily terminated its recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), effective March 5, 2026. The company notified OSHA on May 22, 2025, that it would not seek renewal of its recognition expiring March 5, 2026. Existing certifications were transferred to TÜV SÜD America, Inc.

Consultation on Gig Worker Safety Under Model WHS Act

Safe Work Australia published a consultation paper seeking feedback on regulating crowd platform workers under the model Work Health and Safety Act. The consultation addresses gaps in WHS protections for gig economy workers using digital labour platforms. Feedback will inform discussions on potentially introducing new duties for crowd platform operators.

Job Corps Health Questionnaire Information Collection Extension

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration is soliciting public comments through June 1, 2026, on extending authority to collect the Job Corps Health Questionnaire. The proposed revision transitions applicant health information collection from paper-based to digital format, reducing average response time. This information collection determines eligibility for Job Corps program participants under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Student Experience Assessment (SEA) of Job Corps Centers - Comment Request

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting public comments on a proposed extension for the Student Experience Assessment (SEA) of Job Corps Centers, an information collection request under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The SEA evaluates whether Job Corps center programs are intensive, well organized, and providing quality services under WIOA. Comments are due June 1, 2026.

Virtual Layoff Assistance Session

The South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation announced a free virtual layoff assistance session on April 7, 2026, designed for individuals who have been laid off. The session will cover reemployment assistance applications, job search resources, skills development, and training opportunities. Registration is required via the department's workshop calendar.