Labor & Employment

West Virginia WIOA State Plan Mid-Cycle Update Public Comment

The State of West Virginia is seeking public comment on its mid-cycle update to the 2024-2027 WIOA State Plan. The comment period is open from March 20, 2026, to April 20, 2026.

Pennsylvania Recovers $130,000 in Unpaid Wages from Construction Company

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry recovered $129,929 in unpaid wages for 59 workers from S&R Enterprises, a Dauphin County construction company, due to Minimum Wage Act violations related to overtime calculation. This recovery is part of the Shapiro Administration's broader effort to combat wage theft, having returned over $15.7 million to workers since taking office.

HSE Seeks Chair for Science Quality and Assurance Group

The UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is seeking applications for the Chair of its Science Quality and Assurance Group (SQAG). This role provides external assurance on the scientific, engineering, and analytical work underpinning HSE's decision-making. Applications are due by April 17, 2026.

Minnesota Workplace Injury and Illness Rate Holds Steady

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry announced that the state's estimated workplace injury and illness rate for 2024 remained steady at an all-time low of 2.9 OSHA-recordable nonfatal cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. This rate matches the 2023 figure and represents the lowest recorded since 1973.

Minnesota DLI Awards Construction Mental Health Grants

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has awarded grants totaling $750,000 to two organizations to support mental health initiatives within the construction industry. The Associated General Contractors of Minnesota Foundation and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education will use the funds to develop outreach, resources, and worksite strategies.

Minnesota Fatal Work Injuries Rise to 84 in 2024

Minnesota recorded 84 fatal work injuries in 2024, an increase from 70 in 2023 and the highest number since 2017. The state's fatal-injury rate rose to 2.9 per 100,000 workers, though it remains below the national average. The Department of Labor and Industry urges worksites to focus on safety.

Minnesota DLI Awards $3M Grants for Teacher Apprenticeships

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has awarded $3 million in grants to three registered teacher apprenticeship programs. These grants aim to expand the programs, enabling participants to earn a teaching license and bachelor's degree at no cost, addressing teacher shortages in the state.

Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners Proposed Rule Amendments Public Hearing

The Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners will hold a public hearing on April 21, 2026, to accept comments on proposed amendments to its administrative rules. These changes aim to incorporate Act 746 of 2025 and update the state electrical code to the 2020 National Electrical Code edition.

OSHA cites SV Labs for 13 violations after explosion

OSHA has cited Wisconsin-based SV Labs Prescott Corp. for 13 safety violations following an explosion and fire involving nitrocellulose and flammable liquids. The agency proposed $275,694 in penalties. The employer has contested the citations.

MSPB Seeks Input for Merit Systems Studies

The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is seeking public suggestions for its research agenda on Federal workforce issues. Submissions are due by July 1, 2019, and are intended to help MSPB identify key topics for studies ensuring merit system principles are upheld.