Labor & Employment

OiRA and IRAT Community Meeting Held in Bilbao to Strengthen Online Risk Assessment Tools

EU-OSHA hosted the OiRA and IRAT Community Meeting in Bilbao on 21–22 April 2026, bringing together national partners to strengthen the visibility and use of Online interactive Risk Assessment (OiRA) tools among micro and small enterprises. The meeting featured the introduction of new video tutorials designed to attract more users and facilitate easier use of the platform. Partners shared experiences and drew inspiration from one another's national approaches to workplace risk assessment.

Workers Memorial Day Commemoration, April 28, State House, Augusta

The Maine Department of Labor and Maine Labor Group on Health will hold a Workers Memorial Day remembrance on April 28, 2026 at 12:15 p.m. on the North Lawn of the State House in Augusta. The event commemorates 21 Maine workers who died in 2025 due to workplace injuries or illnesses, including 19 who died in-state and 2 who died while working out of state. The public and press are invited to attend.

Industrial Chemicals Ltd Fined £3.8M After Workers Suffer Caustic Burns

Industrial Chemicals Limited (ICL) was fined £3.8 million and ordered to pay costs of £124,748 at Southwark Crown Court on 21 April 2026 after pleading guilty to two charges of breaching Regulation 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. In the first incident at West Thurrock on 6 December 2019, an employee lost part of his leg below the knee after stepping in a puddle of caustic soda; his safety boots were not in good condition and had not been sufficiently tested against British Standards. In the second incident at Grays on 30 August 2022, another employee required skin grafts after suffering burns while manually decanting caustic soda; there was no risk assessment or documented safe system of work for this task. HSE found a consistent failure to properly assess and control the risks associated with handling and containing hazardous substances across both sites.

Andrei Blaga v Thornton's Recycling - Statutory Redundancy Decision

The WRC Adjudication Officer issued a decision in statutory redundancy claim ADJ-00064211 brought by Andrei Blaga against Padraig Thornton Waste Disposal Limited t/a Thornton's Recycling. The complainant alleged his position as Machine Driver ceased to exist following a fire at the MDR Facility and sought statutory redundancy entitlement. The employer refused to process the payment, claiming it had offered alternative employment. The adjudicator examined whether the offered positions at two outdoor facilities constituted suitable alternative employment under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967-2014. The decision addressed the statutory framework for redundancy calculations (two weeks' pay per year of service plus one bonus week, capped at €600 per week) and the criteria for suitable alternative employment, including working conditions, location, and health and safety implications. Employers facing genuine redundancy situations should ensure any alternative employment offered meets the statutory suitability threshold, as merely offering any position does not discharge redundancy obligations.

Nikola Uzarevic vs CT Electrical Unfair Dismissal

WRC Adjudication Officer Michael MacNamee issued a decision on the unfair dismissal claim brought by Nikola Uzarevic against his former employer CT Electrical (Ire) Ltd, following a hearing conducted remotely on 30 March 2026. The case involved a preliminary issue regarding correction of the respondent's name on the complaint form and the substantive claim of unfair dismissal after the complainant returned from parental leave. The complainant alleged the employer told him the contractor did not want new people on the site, effectively ending his employment, while the respondent maintained he left voluntarily.

Nikola Uzarevic v CT Electric (IRE) Ltd - Unfair Dismissal Claim Dismissed on Procedural Grounds

An Adjudication Officer of Ireland's Workplace Relations Commission dismissed an unfair dismissal claim filed by Nikola Uzarevic against CT Electric (IRE) Ltd after finding that the named respondent did not employ the Complainant. The Complainant had incorrectly identified his employer as "CT Electric (IRE) Ltd" rather than the actual entity "CT Electrical (IRE) Limited." The Correct Respondent refused to consent to amendment of proceedings, and while leave was granted to pursue the Correct Respondent under Section 39(4) of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 in separate proceedings (ADJ-00062275), the claim against the Incorrect Respondent fails on procedural grounds.

Nevada Adds 34,500 Jobs, 2.2% Growth

Nevada added 34,500 jobs from February 2025 to February 2026, a 2.2% increase, growing at more than double the rate of the second-fastest-growing state (0.8%). The state ranked in the top five nationally for total jobs added over a twelve-month period for the first time since the early 2000s. Leading sectors included Information (7.2%, #1 nationally), Professional and Business Services (4.9%, #1 nationally), Arts/Entertainment/Recreation (7.9%, #2 nationally), and Health Care and Social Assistance (4.4%, #1 nationally).

Greece Social Security Payment Schedule Apr 27-30: €1.178B to 1.7M Beneficiaries

The Greek Ministry of Labor published the scheduled payment calendar for e-EFKA (social security fund) and DYPA (Public Employment Service) for the period April 27-30, 2026. Total payments of €1,177,920,384.15 will be distributed to 1,725,124 beneficiaries across pension payments, unemployment benefits, maternity leave allowances, and employment program subsidies. e-EFKA will disburse €1,121,872,384.15 to 1,663,804 beneficiaries for May 2026 main and supplementary pensions on April 27, with additional lump-sum and benefit payments through April 30.

Poland Launches Largest Shortened Work Time Pilot, 5,000 Employees

Poland's Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy (MRPiPS) has launched the world's largest shortened work time pilot, involving 80 entities and nearly 5,000 employees. An inaugural meeting of the Team for Shortened Working Time (Zespół ds. Skróconego Czasu Pracy) took place on 22 April 2026 to oversee the pilot's implementation across both private and public sector employers. The pilot program runs through 31 December 2026, with a final report due to the Minister by 15 May 2027.

Deputy Minister Judith Nema Urges Workers Assert Rights

Deputy Minister Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala delivered a commemorative address on 24 April 2026 at Emnotweni Arena in Mbombela marking World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The speech highlighted the ILO's 2026 World Day report documenting 840,000 annual deaths linked to workplace psychosocial risks globally. The Deputy Minister emphasised that employers have a legal and social obligation to create psychologically safe working environments, warning that failure to address psychosocial risks will result in mental health challenges, reduced productivity, and long-term socio-economic costs.

Jomo Sibiya Warns Chronic Stress Makes Workplaces Unsafe

Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya of South Africa's Department of Employment and Labour delivered a keynote address on 24 April 2026 at Emnotweni Arena in Mbombela during the commemoration of World Day for Health and Safety at Work. The address, themed 'Let's Ensure a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment', warned that workplaces cannot be considered safe if physical hazards are managed but psychosocial risks including chronic stress, workplace violence, bullying, harassment, and emotional exhaustion are ignored. Sibiya cited the newly-released ILO Global Report on Psychosocial Working Environment and referenced South Africa's National OHS Strategy 2024-2029, which calls for stronger labour inspection, improved employer compliance, worker participation, and inclusion of psychosocial risks in reporting systems.

Spain and Romania Sign Labor Protection Agreement for Romanian Workers

Spain's State Labor Inspection (ITSS) and Romania's Labor Inspection signed a bilateral agreement on April 23, 2026, supported by the European Labor Authority, to improve protections for Romanian workers in Spain. The agreement addresses Romania's position as the largest EU worker community in Spain, comprising 340,000 workers out of the country's 3+ million foreign workers (14% of the labor force). Actions include facilitating Romanian citizens' access to labor inspection services and reinforcing inspections in sectors and territories with higher concentrations of Romanian workers, including measures against letterbox companies for posted workers.

European Labor Authority Care Sector Forum Addresses Long-Term Care Challenges

The European Labor Authority (ELA) convened a forum in Madrid on 23 April 2026 at the Spanish Ministry of Labour and Social Economy to discuss challenges in the long-term care sector, with participation from Minister Yolanda Díaz, ELA Executive Director Cosmin Boiangiu, and ITSS Director General Cristina Fernández. Approximately four million people currently work in the care sector across the European Union, with the aging population driving increased demand — in Spain alone, the over-65 population has doubled from approximately five million in the 1990s to over ten million today. The event featured the launch of a new ELA report identifying critical issues including informal employment, workforce shortages, and precarious working conditions, as well as the unveiling of the #EUFairWork communication campaign aimed at mobile workers and employers in the care sector.

Swiss Healthcare Costs Reach CHF 97B in 2024, Up 4.1%

In 2024, Swiss healthcare costs reached CHF 97 billion, representing a 4.1% increase from the prior year. Nearly two-thirds of healthcare funding originated from household out-of-pocket payments and health insurance premiums. Preliminary partial data indicate healthcare costs are projected to rise by more than 3% in 2025. The Federal Statistical Office published these figures on April 24, 2026.

Switzerland Confirms CHF 15.4M Participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh

The Swiss Federal Council confirmed on 15 April 2026 that Switzerland will participate in Expo 2030 Riyadh (31 October 2030 – 31 March 2031), positioning the country as a trustworthy and high-performing partner in business, innovation, and global governance. Total participation costs are CHF 15.4 million, with CHF 2 million expected to be covered through sponsorship, and the FDFA will submit a dispatch to Parliament in Q1 2027 seeking approval for the commitment appropriation. President Guy Parmelin informed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of the decision during his 23 April 2026 visit to Saudi Arabia.

President Parmelin Visits Saudi Arabia, 70th Anniversary

President Guy Parmelin travelled to Jeddah on 22 and 23 April 2026 for a presidential visit marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. He held bilateral talks with His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and with Minister of Investment Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif, accompanied by a high-level business delegation from major Swiss companies. A new agreement on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments was signed during the visit, complementing existing free trade and double taxation arrangements.

Nine Arrested in Netherlands for ATM Explosive Attacks in Switzerland

Dutch police arrested nine individuals between December 2025 and April 2026 in connection with explosive attacks on automated teller machines in Germany and Switzerland. The coordinated 'Joint Action Day' operation on 14 and 22 April resulted in seven arrests, more than fifteen home searches, and seizures including explosive substances, vehicles, and cash. Swiss authorities linked the suspects to approximately ten ATM attacks in Switzerland, including incidents in Alle and Porrentruy (canton of Jura, May 2024), Couvet (canton of Neuchâtel, July 2025), and Gland (canton of Vaud, December 2025).

Switzerland-Morocco Ministerial Meeting on Trade, Migration and Climate Cooperation

Federal Councillors Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans received Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Bern on 24 April 2026. Bilateral trade between Switzerland and Morocco is approaching CHF 1 billion in 2025, making Morocco Switzerland's third-largest African trading partner, and Switzerland has designated Morocco a priority country for economic development cooperation since January 2025. The two countries also strengthened their migration dialogue, launched in 2023, with the stated aim of improving cooperation on returns and protecting migrants, within the broader context of the 70th anniversary of Swiss-Moroccan diplomatic relations.

President Parmelin Visits Serbia and North Macedonia, April 28–29, 2026

Swiss President Guy Parmelin will travel to Serbia on April 28 and North Macedonia on April 29, 2026, accompanied by a high-level economic delegation. In Serbia, the visit marks the 110th anniversary of bilateral relations and will launch a new cooperation programme for 2026–2029 focused on democratic governance, economic development, employment, climate change, and sustainable urban development. An agreement on a bilateral innovation programme will be signed between SECO and the Serbian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (NITRA). This is the first-ever Swiss presidential visit to North Macedonia, where President Parmelin will meet with President Siljanovska-Davkova, Prime Minister Mickoski, and Parliament Speaker Gashi, and attend a reception marking the establishment of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in North Macedonia.

Feasibility Study for New Federal Asylum Centre in Allschwil BL

SECO, in consultation with the commune of Allschwil and Canton of Basel-Landschaft, has commissioned a feasibility study through the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (FOBL) to assess the construction of a new 240-place federal asylum centre (FAC) without processing facilities. The existing temporary 150-place facility dating from 1992 is deteriorating and does not meet current building, energy efficiency, and operational standards. The study will evaluate both the proposed works depot site and the continued use of the existing FAC plot over the coming months. The North-Western Switzerland asylum region currently has a deficit of 240 permanent accommodation places against the planned total of 840.

Swiss Embassy Tehran Reopening, Team of Four Returns

A four-person Swiss technical team returned to Tehran the week of 24 April 2026, beginning a phased reopening of the Swiss embassy after its temporary closure on 11 March 2026 due to the security situation. The team, led by the Swiss chargé d'affaires, will conduct evaluations before fully resuming operations, which will depend on how conditions in Iran develop. Consular services, including visa issuance, remain unavailable during this initial phase.

Switzerland Signs Investment Protection Agreement with Saudi Arabia

On 23 April 2026, Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Saudi Minister of Investment Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif signed a bilateral investment protection agreement in Jeddah, witnessed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The agreement replaces a prior treaty that Saudi Arabia terminated on 9 August 2025, restoring protections for Swiss investors against discriminatory state measures, unlawful expropriation, and barriers to fund transfers, while providing for international arbitration of disputes. Switzerland hosts CHF 1.34 trillion in foreign direct investments and maintains over 110 such agreements globally; Saudi Arabia represents CHF 1.66 billion in Swiss investment stock and approximately 200 Swiss companies. The agreement enters into force once both countries complete internal approval procedures, with Switzerland next drafting an explanatory memorandum for Federal Assembly adoption.

Extension of Date for Engagement of Assessors in CGIT-cum-LCs/NITs on Contract Basis

The Ministry of Labour has published an extension of date for the engagement of assessors on contract basis in CGIT-cum-LCs (Central Government Industrial Tribunal-cum-Labour Courts) and NITs (National Industrial Tribunals). The notice dated 01/04/2026 references a PDF document (4.95 MB) providing full details of the extended timeline. This is an administrative amendment modifying a previously announced engagement schedule for contractual assessor positions.

68% Bedrijven Heeft RI&E, Maar Kwaliteit Blijft Achter

De Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie publiceerde de monitor Arbo in Bedrijf 2024-2025, die een actueel beeld geeft van de naleving van arbowetgeving door werkgevers. Het aandeel bedrijven met een Risico-Inventarisatie en -Evaluatie (RI&E) blijft gehandhaafd op 68 procent, terwijl de kwaliteit van de RI&Es en plannen van aanpak ook oploopt richting 68-70 procent. Echter, meer dan 3 op de 10 bedrijven in Nederland heeft de basis van het arbobeleid niet op orde en voldoet daarmee niet aan een wettelijke verplichting. Slechts 20 procent van de werkgevers doet aantoonbaar aan voorlichting en toezicht op veilig en gezond werken.

NLA Stilt Werkzaamheden wegens Illegale Asbestsanering Badhoevedorp

De Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie heeft eind maart 2026 werkzaamheden in een pand in Badhoevedorp stilgelegd na klachten van werknemers en een melding van vakbond FNV over de arbeidsomstandigheden. Bij inspectie bleek dat asbest op illegale wijze was verwijderd door werknemers zonder beschermende kleding en adembeschermingsmiddelen, in strijd met de geldende wet- en regelgeving. Een boeterapport wordt opgesteld tegen de pandeigenaar, die verantwoordelijk is voor inschakeling van een gecertificeerd asbestverwijderingsbedrijf; de hoogte van de boete is nog niet bekend.

Departamento del Trabajo Anuncia Feria de Empleos en la Construcción con Sobre Mil Vacantes el 8 de Mayo

El Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos de Puerto Rico (DTRH) anunció la feria de empleos 'En Puerto Rico hay trabajo' enfocada en el sector de la construcción, en colaboración con la Oficina Central de Recuperación, Reconstrucción y Resiliencia (COR3). El evento se realizará el viernes 8 de mayo de 2026 de 9:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m. en el primer nivel de Plaza Las Américas, con la participación de decenas de patronos del sector privado ofreciendo más de mil vacantes en oficios como albañilería, carpintería, electricidad, plomería, soldadura, varillado, operación de equipo pesado, delineación, gerencia de proyectos, oficialía de cumplimiento, manejo de almacén y labores generales. La feria también incluirá servicios de orientación sobre empleo y apoyo a la búsqueda de trabajo.

OPM Proposes Critical Position Pay Authority Changes

OPM proposes amendments to 5 CFR part 535 governing the critical position pay authority, establishing level I of the Executive Schedule (EX-I) as the default maximum critical pay rate, with rates above EX-I requiring written approval from the OPM Director in consultation with OMB rather than individual Presidential approval. The proposed rule eliminates non-statutory caps and approval criteria that OPM states have created burdensome regulatory requirements contributing to agencies' reluctance to use this flexibility. Comments are due May 26, 2026, and the changes would clarify that reductions or terminations of critical position pay are not adverse actions and are not subject to grievance or appeal rights.

Eighth Annual Colorado Apprenticeship Awards Honor 14 Individuals and Organizations

Apprenticeship Colorado within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) honored 14 individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing apprenticeships at the eighth annual Colorado Apprenticeship Awards held on April 21, 2026 at the History Colorado Center in Denver. The event brought together workforce development and apprenticeship partners from across the state, totaling over 150 attendees. Award winners included apprentices, mentors, programs, employers, champions, and partners that demonstrated commitment towards Registered Apprenticeship.

DOL Orders Legacy Energy to Reinstate Fired Inspector, Pay $35k

The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered New Mexico-based Legacy Energy and Distribution LLC to reinstate and compensate an inspector it wrongfully terminated for raising safety concerns during installation of a natural gas pipeline in Watonga, Oklahoma. The inspector exercised stop-work authority, halted the installation when a construction crew was not following federal regulations, and contacted an independent third-party testing company to verify concerns—concerns Legacy later confirmed as valid. OSHA found the termination violated the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act and ordered reinstatement plus back wages, interest, and compensatory damages totaling more than $35,000.

Critical Position Pay Authority, Level I Default, OPM Approval

OPM proposes to amend 5 CFR Parts 535 and 752 governing the critical position pay authority. The proposed rule would establish Level I of the Executive Schedule as the default maximum critical pay rate, with higher rates subject to written approval by the OPM Director. The rule would eliminate non-statutory caps and burdensome approval criteria, address service agreements, and clarify that reductions or terminations of critical position pay are not adverse actions or subject to grievance or appeal rights. OPM states that since 2008, no agency has requested critical pay rates above EX-I, attributing limited use to burdensome regulatory requirements. Comments are due May 26, 2026.

Puerto Rico State Plan Operational Status Agreement Change Federal Enforcement

OSHA and the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources signed a new Operational Status Agreement on September 25, 2025, replacing the previous agreement from December 8, 1981. The new OSA transfers federal enforcement authority over private-sector employees on federal government-owned or leased properties and marine construction conducted by private sector employees from the Puerto Rico State Plan to federal OSHA. Federal OSHA also confirmed enforcement authority over contractors and contractor-operated facilities engaged in USPS mail operations and all working conditions of aircraft cabin crewmembers onboard aircraft in operation. The agreement is effective April 24, 2026.

79 Tennessee Counties Unemployment Below 5% in February

Seventy-nine of Tennessee's 95 counties reported unemployment rates below 5% in February 2026, according to new data from TDLWD. Williamson, Macon, and Cheatham counties tied for the lowest rate at 3%, while Pickett County recorded the highest at 6.7%. Tennessee's statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.6% in February, up slightly from the prior month but 0.8 percentage points below the U.S. rate of 4.4%. County unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted. The next statewide unemployment data release for March is scheduled for May 14, 2026.

Michigan Marks 6th Annual Workplace Rights Week

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) proclaimed April 27 – May 1, 2026 as Workplace Rights Week in Michigan, marking the sixth annual observance of this state-wide recognition. The proclamation celebrates workers as the foundation of Michigan's economy and highlights existing worker rights including safe working conditions, fair wages, and the ability to organize. The week also recognizes Workers Memorial Day on April 28 and references the historical impact of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 on reducing workplace injuries and illnesses.

Boise Apprenticeship Expo, April 29, 9:30 A.M

The Idaho Department of Labor and Apprenticeship Idaho announced the first apprenticeship-focused expo, scheduled for April 29, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the State of Idaho Chinden Campus in Boise, Building 6, 11351 W. Chinden Blvd. Employers and programs including Idaho Power, College of Western Idaho, UA Local 296 Plumbers & Pipefitters, and others will showcase apprenticeships across construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology. Job seekers attending the event can count it as one weekly work search action for unemployment insurance purposes.

Hart Placement Agency Inc. and Principals Cited $4.4M for Caregiver Misclassification

The California Labor Commissioner's Office (LCO) cited Hart Placement Agency Inc. and its principals, Annie Ghaw and Hartmann Ghaw, $4,423,450 total ($4,266,450 owed directly to workers) for misclassifying 144 caregivers as independent contractors across private homes in Los Angeles County from October 2022 through December 2024. The investigation found the employer required caregivers to obtain business licenses and register fictitious business names to disguise the employment relationship, while maintaining control over schedules, duties, and compensation, and instructed workers to falsify timesheets to conceal shifts exceeding 12 or 24 hours.

Pennsylvania Leads Coalition Opposing Federal Asylum Work Restriction

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, led a multi-state coalition in filing comments on April 23, 2026 opposing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's proposed rule 'Employment Authorization Reform for Asylum Applicants.' The coalition—joining Maine, Minnesota, and Oregon labor agencies—urges DHS to withdraw the proposal, which would extend the waiting period to apply for work authorization from 180 days to 365 days and create an automatic pause on initial EAD applications when processing times exceed 180 days, potentially lasting as long as 173 years.

Abbott Awards $1.7M JET Grants to Six South Texas Schools

Governor Greg Abbott announced six Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $1,697,701 awarded to six schools in South Texas by the Texas Workforce Commission. The JET grants will support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by helping the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train 707 students for high-demand occupations including truck drivers, nurses, and automotive service technicians. TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III and local partners attended a big check ceremony.

Commissioner Stephenson Announces Oregon Minimum Wage Increase

A new press release was added to the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries press page on April 23, 2026, announcing Commissioner Stephenson's minimum wage increase for Oregon. The page also had a Rulemaking Public Comment Form navigation link removed. The announcement does not specify the new wage rate or exact effective date in the metadata excerpt provided, but signals an upcoming change to Oregon's minimum wage that employers should monitor BOLI's communications for detailed figures.

FloridaCommerce Press Releases

FloridaCommerce, the state's principal economic development agency, maintains a public archive of press releases covering workforce development grants, infrastructure funding, community development block grants, international trade missions, and disaster recovery awards spanning December 2025 through April 2026. The index page links to 18 individual announcements including grant programs for small cities, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, Opportunity Zone initiatives, and the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator.

Mexico Labor Reform Drives 15K+ Collective Contracts, Union Democracy Strengthened

The STPS and Centro Federal de Conciliación y Registro Laboral report that over 15,000 new Collective Labor Contracts (CCT) have been approved under Mexico's 2019 labor reform, bringing the total to 45,549 active contracts. Of 30,549 pre-existing contracts legitimized through worker votes involving over 7 million workers, only 1.5% were rejected. Alfredo Domínguez Marrufo, Director of CFCRL, noted that 99% of terminated contracts were dropped by unions without even submitting them to worker votes, and that nearly 100,000 contracts still lack union representation.

Mexico Minimum Wage Recovery Sustained, Purchasing Power Grows

The National Minimum Wage Commission (CONASAMI) bulletin reports that Mexico's 2026 general minimum wage of 9,582.47 pesos monthly (effective January 1) grew 13% year-over-year, outpacing the 5.6% annual rise in the basic food basket (4,940.45 pesos in March 2026). Workers can now purchase 1.94 basic baskets versus 0.78 baskets at end-2018, representing cumulative purchasing-power recovery of 152.4% above inflation. The bulletin attributes food-basket increases to transient climate-related supply disruptions affecting tomato, lemon, chili, and potato prices, and notes the PACIC price-stability agreements with gas stations and producers.

STPS Opens San Quintín Office, Collects Agricultural Worker Demands

Mexico's STPS launched operations at the Centro de Atención Integral para Trabajadores Agrícolas in San Quintín, Baja California, on April 20, 2026. The office will provide direct on-the-ground services to agricultural workers, addressing labor informality, low wages, precarious conditions, limited social security access, and cases of workplace violence. The initiative is part of the Plan de Justicia para Trabajadores Agrícolas and includes coordination with the Servicio Nacional de Empleo and protocols to prevent violence against women in agricultural workplaces.

Metro Eighteen Pays $70,098 to Settle Race Discrimination Case

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) resolved a race discrimination lawsuit against Metro Eighteen through a $70,098 settlement. The case, captioned EEOC v. Metro Eighteen, concluded with the employer paying the specified amount to resolve the federal discrimination allegations without admission of liability.

Comfort Keepers Franchisee Pays $324,200 for Pregnancy Discrimination

A Comfort Keepers franchisee has paid $324,200 to resolve EEOC charges of pregnancy discrimination and retaliation. The settlement resolves allegations that the employer violated federal civil rights law by treating employees differently because of pregnancy and retaliating against those who complained. Employers in the home care and personal care services sector should note the financial consequences of discriminatory employment practices and ensure compliance with federal protections.

Lori's Gifts to Pay $600k Resolving EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit

Lori's Gifts will pay $600,000 to resolve a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by the EEOC. The lawsuit alleged the company violated federal civil rights laws by discriminating against employees on the basis of disability. The consent decree resolving the matter was entered in federal court, with the settlement amount representing compensation for affected employees and civil penalties.

DOL Proposes Rule Expanding 401(k) Access to Alternative Investments

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration has published a proposed rule to establish process-based safe harbors for 401(k) plan fiduciaries selecting designated investment alternatives, including alternative assets such as private equity, real estate, and cryptocurrency. The proposal implements President Trump's Executive Order on democratizing access to alternative investments and explicitly reverses the Biden-era 2022 compliance release that discouraged cryptocurrency options in retirement plans. Plan fiduciaries would need to objectively, thoroughly, and analytically evaluate factors including performance, fees, liquidity, valuation, benchmarks, and complexity when selecting investment alternatives. The rule could affect more than 90 million Americans covered by 401(k) plans and approximately $13.8 trillion in retirement plan assets.

Proxy Advisors Declared Investment Advice Fiduciaries Under ERISA

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration issued a Technical Release declaring that proxy advisory firms commonly engage in conduct that meets the test for investment advice fiduciaries under ERISA's five-part test. The guidance specifically addresses Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass, Lewis & Co., two foreign companies controlling more than 90 percent of the proxy advisory market. The Technical Release also extends beyond proxy advisors to examine when large asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, and other market participants may qualify as investment advice fiduciaries under ERISA.

Field Assistance Bulletin 2026-01 Updates EBSA Enforcement Priorities

The Department of Labor's EBSA issued Field Assistance Bulletin 2026-01 on April 14, 2026, replacing prior enforcement priority guidance and establishing four new guiding principles for its employee benefits enforcement program. The FAB signals a shift away from second-guessing prudent fiduciary discretion toward even-handed, fair enforcement grounded in statutory language, agency guidance, and established case law. Employers, plan fiduciaries, and benefits service providers should review FAB 2026-01 to understand which conduct EBSA will prioritize and how the four enforcement principles — focusing on egregious harm, avoiding regulation-by-enforcement, requiring senior review of critical initiatives, and ensuring timely response — may affect future compliance expectations.

Fatality Fact Sheets Explain NC Workplace Fatality Investigations

The NCDOL OSH Division published a collection of 16 fatality fact sheets explaining its investigative process for workplace fatalities. The sheets cover specific incident types including falls from various heights, electrocutions, trench collapses, crane accidents, forklift fatalities, combustible dusts, heat stress events, hazardous chemical releases, and struck-by incidents. Each fact sheet describes what triggers an investigation, employer reporting responsibilities, investigation timelines, and what inspectors evaluate during the investigation.

Communications Director, Public Information Officer Contact Details

The North Carolina Department of Labor has published contact details for its Communications Office. John Wesley Waugh serves as Communications Director (phone: 919-707-7709, email: john.waugh@labor.nc.gov) and John Mallow serves as Public Information Officer (phone: 919-707-7721, email: john.mallow@labor.nc.gov). This appears to be a staff directory page listing key communications contacts within the agency.