Labor & Employment

Shapiro Administration Expands On-the-Spot Birth Certificate Initiative for Reentrants

Pennsylvania's Departments of Labor & Industry, Health, and Corrections partnered with community organization Kintock to issue over 30 on-the-spot birth certificates to people returning from incarceration. The event provided essential identity documents to reentrants who need them to apply for jobs, enroll in workforce programs, and secure housing. Applications were pre-verified so participants could receive certificates within minutes.

MDES Energy Expo & Job Fair Announced for April 21, 2026

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security announced the inaugural Energy Expo & Job Fair, scheduled for April 21, 2026, at the Biloxi Civic Center. The event, coordinated with the Mississippi Development Authority and Public Service Commission, aims to connect energy sector employers with job seekers. This is the first sector-specific job fair under the Governor's Job Fair Network, supporting Mississippi's Power Play initiative to advance energy infrastructure and manufacturing.

Personnel Staffing Inc. Sex Discrimination Settlement

The EEOC announced a $155,000 settlement with Personnel Staffing Inc. resolving a sex discrimination charge. The staffing firm agreed to pay the settlement and implement corrective measures following an investigation into discriminatory employment practices. This settlement reinforces federal protections against sex-based discrimination in employment.

January Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released BLS estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, municipalities, and counties in Wisconsin for January 2026. Unemployment rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas, all 35 largest cities, and all 72 counties compared to the prior month.

Maine Employment Situation - January 2026

Maine DOL released January 2026 employment data showing the unemployment rate steady at 3.3% for the 13th consecutive month. Nonfarm wage and salary jobs remained near 660,000. The report includes annual revisions to 2024 and 2025 data, adding 4,600 jobs to 2025 averages and 2,100 jobs to 2024 averages.

Walking-Working Surfaces Standard: Removal of Fixed Ladder Fall Protection Deadline

OSHA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to remove a compliance deadline in the Walking-Working Surfaces standard requiring fixed ladders exceeding 24 feet to be equipped with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems. The agency is simultaneously seeking public comment on whether to repeal or revise the underlying requirement entirely, potentially permitting employers to continue using ladder cages or wells instead of personal fall arrest systems.

Intertek Testing Services Revised Expansion Application

OSHA posted Intertek Testing Services' revised expansion application for its Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) program. The application pertains to expansion of testing and certification activities under the NRTL program's scope. This document is part of the administrative record for OSHA-2007-0039.

Intertek Testing Services Expansion Application

OSHA has posted an expansion application from Intertek Testing Services in docket OSHA-2007-0039. Intertek, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), is seeking to expand its OSHA-recognized testing scope. The application is available for public review and comment.

OSHA Retaliation Complaints Information Collection OMB 1218-0236

OSHA is seeking public comments on its information collection request (OMB Control No. 1218-0236) regarding retaliation complaints filed under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act and related whistleblower protection statutes. The agency must obtain OMB approval to continue collecting information about employee complaints alleging retaliation for exercising safety and health rights. Comments are requested on whether the collection is necessary, the accuracy of burden estimates, and the quality of utility of the information.

Colorado Employment Situation – January 2026

Colorado gained 6,600 nonfarm payroll jobs in January 2026, with the unemployment rate rising to 3.9%. Private sector added 7,200 jobs while government lost 600. Year-over-year, payroll jobs decreased by 11,000 with the state's job growth rate at -0.4 percent, trailing the national rate of 0.2 percent.