Labor & Employment

New resources help manage gender-based violence risk in construction

Safe Work Australia released new resources to help construction employers identify, assess and manage risks of gender-based violence in the workplace. The package includes practical case studies, guidance documents, posters and infographics designed for use on construction worksites. The resources address psychosocial hazards specific to the construction industry including workforce characteristics, work design, and organizational factors that can increase GBV risk.

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary January 2026 Area Unemployment Rates

The New York State Department of Labor released preliminary January 2026 area unemployment rates data for counties and regions throughout New York State. The statistical release provides month-by-month unemployment rate comparisons and regional labor market indicators.

OPM Withdraws Administrative Law Judges Proposed Rule

OPM formally withdrew its 2020 proposed rule to revise regulations governing administrative law judge (ALJ) appointments and employment. The proposal, which would have implemented Executive Order 13843 and updated hiring rules for Schedule E of the excepted service, received 41 comments during the 60-day comment period. OPM cited the age of the comments and agencies' independent implementation of the executive order as rationale for withdrawal.

DWC Adjusts OMFS for Hospital Outpatient Departments and ASCs

The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) posted an order adjusting the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) for Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers to align with the CMS Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System April 2026 quarterly updates. The adjustments are effective for services rendered on or after April 1, 2026, as required by California Labor Code section 5307.1.

Supplier Conversion Grants Deadline Extended to April 28

The Michigan Community and Worker Economic Transition Office extended the application deadline for the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program to April 28, 2026 at 3 p.m. EDT. The program allocates $22.6 million in federal Department of Energy funding to help small and medium-sized automotive manufacturers retool facilities for electric vehicle supply chains.

Michigan promotes career pathways, free Pathfinder tool available

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced Career Exploration and Awareness Month in April 2026, promoting the free Pathfinder career exploration tool and other workforce development resources including Michigan Reconnect, the Hot 50 Job Outlook report, and regional career outlook reports. The initiative aims to connect Michiganders with in-demand, high-wage career pathways and training opportunities across the state.

Idaho Unemployment Rate Increases to 3.7% in January 2026

The Idaho Department of Labor released January 2026 labor market data showing the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.6% to 3.7%. Total nonfarm jobs decreased by 2,400 (-0.3%) to 879,700, with Construction (-4.4%) and Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (-4.1%) experiencing the largest sector losses. Year-over-year comparison shows total nonfarm jobs increased by 0.8% (7,000) compared to January 2025.

BLS Benchmark Adjustments Revise Idaho 2025 Labor Force, Unemployment Data

The Bureau of Labor Statistics completed its annual benchmarking process for 2025 labor force statistics, incorporating previously unavailable data such as updated Census population estimates and Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data. Idaho's revised unemployment rates came in lower than initially reported for most of 2025, with the December 2025 rate remaining at 3.6% and January 2026 rising slightly to 3.7%. County and city-level benchmarked data will be released on May 22, 2026.

CM-912 Form - Workers Compensation Office

The Workers Compensation Programs Office (WCPO) posted Form CM-912 to the Regulations.gov docket WCPO-2026-0199. The form relates to federal workers' compensation program administration. No new regulatory obligations or policy changes are established by this form submission.

CM-972 Form Draft - Workers Compensation

The Workers Compensation Programs Office (WCPO) has released a draft CM-972 form for public comment. The draft form relates to federal workers' compensation claims procedures under programs such as FECA. Employers, employees, and claims administrators should review the proposed form and submit comments during the designated comment period.