Labor & Employment

Wildland Fire Pay Categories for Federal Employees Under USDA and DOI

OPM has published a proposed rulemaking to establish new pay categories for wildland fire federal employees under USDA Forest Service and DOI Bureau of Land Management. The document, docketed as OPM-2026-0199, seeks public comment on pay flexibilities, retention incentives, and premium pay provisions specific to wildland fire suppression activities. Federal agencies employing wildland fire personnel may be affected by proposed changes to compensation structures.

OPM RIF Appeal FedScope Data Pull

OPM released a FedScope data pull related to Reduction in Force (RIF) appeals on April 9, 2025. The document is available as a PDF download from regulations.gov under docket OPM-2025-0239. No new regulatory requirements or compliance obligations are created by this data release.

DOL Recovers $77,523 for 12 Austin Workers Denied Overtime

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $77,523 in back wages for 12 workers employed by Grand Buffet Paradise LLC, operating as Buffet Palace in Austin, TX. The investigation found the employer paid kitchen staff straight salaries without providing required half-time overtime premiums for hours worked over 40 per workweek, violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Dyno Battery Fined $224,320 for Lead Violations

Dyno Battery Fined $224,320 for Lead Violations

DOL Proposes Extending Black Lung Fee Form Without Change Through 2029

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs is seeking public comments on extending OMB Control No. 1240-0011 for the Application for Approval of Representative's Fee in Black Lung Claim Proceedings. The proposed extension would maintain the current CM-972 form without changes through the new approval period. Comments must be submitted by June 9, 2026, via Regulations.gov or mail.

Black Lung Benefits Act Survivor's Form Extension Proposed

The Department of Labor is soliciting public comments on extending OMB Control No. 1240-0027 for the Survivor's Form for Benefits Under the Black Lung Benefits Act. The form allows survivors of deceased coal miners to apply for black lung disability benefits. Comments must be received by June 9, 2026.

USERRA Veterans Preference Information Collection OMB Review Comment Request

The Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) has submitted an information collection request under the Paperwork Reduction Act for OMB review regarding USERRA and Veterans' Preference eligibility complaints. The collection instrument determines initial eligibility of veteran claimants seeking reemployment rights and documents alleged employer violations. Public comments are invited through May 11, 2026.

California Invests $18.6M to Train 55,000 Apprentices in Building and Construction Trades

California's Department of Industrial Relations and Division of Apprenticeship Standards announced $18.6 million in grants from the California Apprenticeship Council Training Fund to support 160 state-registered apprenticeship programs in building and construction trades. The funding will provide training for more than 55,000 apprentices across trades including electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, ironworkers, and roofers, with median wages exceeding $70,000 annually.

Michigan Declares April 2026 Autism Acceptance Month, Highlights Employment Resources

Michigan Governor Whitmer and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month, highlighting resources from LEO, MDE, MDHHS, and Autism Alliance of Michigan. The announcement emphasizes vocational rehabilitation services through Michigan Rehabilitation Services to support employment opportunities for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

UIA Reminder: Download 1099-G Statement of Unemployment Benefits for Taxes

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency reminds workers who received unemployment benefits in 2025 to download their 1099-G tax statements from their MIWAM account for state and federal tax filing. The 1099-G form shows total benefits paid and tax withholdings, and workers should verify the information is accurate before filing.