Labor & Employment

Tip Pool Violation - Back Wage Recovery for Tipped Employees

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $85,197 in back wages for 36 employees after finding that Nate's At The Buda Mill & Grain Inc. (operating as Nate's Coffee & Cocktails) violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by allowing a general manager to participate in an employee tip pool. The violation invalidated the employer's tip credit, requiring payment of full minimum wage to affected workers.

Mediation Program Surpasses $6M in Settlements

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) announced that its Mediation Program has surpassed $6 million in settlements between Oregon workers and employers. The milestone comes as the expanded mediation model continues to move forward, providing an alternative dispute resolution pathway for employment-related conflicts in the state.

Cal/OSHA advises protecting workers from wildfire smoke

Cal/OSHA issued an advisory urging California employers to protect workers from unhealthy air caused by wildfire smoke from the Springs and Crown fires in Riverside and Los Angeles counties. The advisory reminds employers of existing requirements under the Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard, including monitoring PM2.5 levels, adjusting work practices, and providing respirators. When PM2.5 AQI exceeds 150, respirators must be provided; above 500, respirator use is required.

Kansas Labor Report Shows 3.9% Unemployment, 1.47M Jobs

The Kansas Department of Labor released the January 2026 Kansas Labor Report, showing a 3.9% unemployment rate and 1.47 million jobs in the state. The February 2026 report is scheduled for release on April 17, 2026. This is a routine statistical release with no regulatory implications.

Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate and Nonfarm Jobs Report

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry released January 2026 preliminary employment data showing the state unemployment rate declined to 4.3% from 4.4% in December, matching the U.S. rate. Total nonfarm jobs reached a record high of 6,201,900, up 17,900 over the month and 35,500 year-over-year.

Walking-Working Surfaces Fixed Ladder Fall Protection Requirements

OSHA published a proposed rule to remove the compliance deadline for equipping fixed ladders exceeding 24 feet with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems. The agency is also seeking public comment on whether to repeal or revise the personal fall arrest system requirement entirely, potentially allowing continued use of ladder cages or wells. Comments are due by June 5, 2026.

Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Application for Use of Public Space by Non-DOL Agencies in the Frances Perkins Building

The Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) has published a notice requesting public comments on the proposed extension of OMB Control No. 1225-0087, an existing information collection covering applications for non-DOL agencies to use public space in the Frances Perkins Building in Washington, DC. The notice solicits feedback under the Paperwork Reduction Act on the burden estimates and utility of this permit application process. Comments must be received by June 5, 2026.

Delay of Silica Exposure Rule Amendments for Miners

MSHA issued a final rule delaying indefinitely the effective date of conforming amendments to 30 CFR parts 56 and 57 from the 2024 Silica Rule. The delay follows an Eighth Circuit Court order staying the 2024 rule's compliance deadlines pending judicial review. Existing standards under 30 CFR 56.5001, 56.5005, 57.5001, and 57.5005 remain in effect until the judicial stay is terminated.

Texas Adds 40,100 Jobs, Surpasses National Growth Rate

The Texas Workforce Commission reported that Texas added 40,100 nonfarm jobs in January 2026, reaching a total of 14,379,500 positions. The state posted an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.8 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. Construction led private sector growth with 11,800 jobs added over the month.

Unemployment Insurance IT Modernization Pre-Implementation Planning Checklist

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting public comments on extending the authority to conduct an information collection request (ICR) for the Pre-Implementation Planning Checklist for State Unemployment Insurance Information Technology Modernization Projects. The checklist, originally developed in 2018 and revised in 2020 and 2023, helps State Workforce Agencies validate critical system functions before launching new UI IT systems. Comments are due by June 5, 2026.