September Jobs Data Shows Slowing Growth
The Connecticut Department of Labor reported that state employment declined by 5,700 jobs in September, indicating a slowing growth trend consistent with national patterns. This data release provides an update on the state's labor market conditions.
Connecticut Department of Labor September Labor Report
The Connecticut Department of Labor has released its September labor report. This report provides updated statistics on employment, unemployment, and other key labor market indicators for the state.
Connecticut Labor Market Data Update
The Connecticut Department of Labor has released its latest labor market data, indicating a slight increase in unemployment and mixed job growth for October and November. This report provides an update on the state's employment situation.
Connecticut Labor Dept Joins Multistate Worker Protection Alliance
The Connecticut Department of Labor has joined a multistate alliance focused on worker protection. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration and information sharing among state labor agencies to better enforce labor laws and protect workers across participating states.
State Unemployment Rate Rises, Jobs Decline
The Connecticut Department of Labor announced that the state's unemployment rate increased to 4.2% in December, with a net loss of 1,500 jobs. This report provides updated labor market statistics for the state.
Virginia Clarifies Local Government Union Rules
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) has adopted a new final regulation, 16VAC15-70, clarifying union rules and employee protections for local government entities. This regulation applies existing state statutes on union elections, membership solicitation, and dues collection to local government employers and employees, effective July 30, 2025.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Workplace Mental Health
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry issued a notice for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. The notice highlights the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace, citing increased work-related suicides and providing resources for employers and employees.
Virginia DOLI Launches New Brand Identity and Website
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) has launched a new brand identity and website to enhance public outreach and accessibility. The updated logo and website aim to improve customer experience and better connect the agency's various programs.
Virginia Low-Wage Employee Definition Updated for 2026
The Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement has updated the definition of a "low-wage employee" for non-compete agreements, effective January 1, 2026. The average weekly wage threshold has been set at less than $1,507.01. The notice also clarifies that employees entitled to overtime under FLSA are considered low-wage employees regardless of their average weekly earnings.
Virginia DOLI Appoints James S. Frederick as Commissioner
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) announced the appointment of James S. Frederick as its new Commissioner. Frederick brings over 35 years of experience in occupational safety and health, previously serving at the U.S. Department of Labor.
NY DOL Releases December 2025 Area Unemployment Rates
The New York State Department of Labor has released the preliminary unemployment rates for December 2025. This notice provides updated labor market data for the state.
Blasters Board of Examiners Meeting Announcement
The New York State Department of Labor has issued a media advisory for an upcoming meeting of the Blasters Board of Examiners on February 11, 2026. The Board will review applications for Blaster licenses and may make recommendations to the Commissioner. The meeting is open to the public.
September 11th Worker Protection Task Force Meeting
The New York State Department of Labor announced a meeting of the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force. The task force will discuss long-term health, disability, and compensation needs for 9/11 rescue and recovery workers. The meeting is open to the public and will be held on February 18, 2026.
NYSDOL Apprenticeship and Training Council Meeting Notice
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) announced an upcoming Apprenticeship and Training Council meeting. The meeting will be held on February 24, 2026, in Albany and will be open to the public in person and via livestream. Pre-registration is requested for in-person attendees.
Apprenticeship and Training Council Meeting Announcement
The New York State Department of Labor announced an upcoming public meeting of the Apprenticeship and Training Council. The meeting will be held in Albany and New York City on February 24, 2026, and will be open to the public in person and via livestream.
TWC Seeks Members for Purchasing from People with Disabilities Program Committee
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for its Advisory Committee for the Purchasing from People with Disabilities Program. The committee advises TWC on program matters and meets at least twice annually. Applications are being accepted until the vacancies are filled.
Texas Labor Market and Job Growth Update - December 2025
Texas added 19,700 nonfarm jobs in December 2025, bringing the annual total to 132,500 jobs. The state's unemployment rate was 4.3 percent, and the civilian labor force reached a record high. The report highlights growth across various industries, particularly Trade, Transportation, and Utilities.
Texas Workforce Commission Recognizes Career and Technical Education Month
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February 2026. The TWC is highlighting the value of CTE programs and students preparing for technical careers, supported by initiatives like the Dual Credit and Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant programs.
Texas Job Training Grant for Tekscend Photomask
Governor Abbott and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced a Skills Development Fund grant of over $163,000 to Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area. This grant will fund customized training for 66 new and current workers at Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. for high-demand occupations in machinery manufacturing.
Texas Workforce Commission Launches Child Care Business Support Initiative
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has launched a new initiative to provide business coaching and training to child care providers across Texas. This program aims to help licensed or registered child care programs improve operations, financial management, and staff supervision.
Illinois Labor Opposes Federal Minimum Wage Rollback for Home Health Workers
The Illinois Department of Labor has formally opposed a proposed federal rule by the U.S. Department of Labor that would roll back minimum wage and overtime protections for home health care workers. Illinois argues this action would undermine worker protections and create national inconsistencies.
Illinois Labor Department Recovers $2.7M in Wages and Enforces Worker Protections
The Illinois Department of Labor recovered approximately $2.7 million in unpaid wages and enforced various worker protection laws in 2025. Key actions included settlements with GrapeTree Medical Staffing and solar companies, enforcement of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, and ensuring compliance with minimum wage and prevailing wage laws.
Illinois VESSA Amendment Protects Workers Documenting Violence on Work Devices
The Illinois Department of Labor has issued a reminder about Public Act 104-0171, an amendment to the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA). This new law protects employees who use employer-provided devices to document violence affecting themselves or their families, prohibiting employer discipline or retaliation for such use. The amendment took effect on January 1, 2026.
IDOL Files Wage Theft Complaint Against Chicago Restaurant
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has filed a wage theft complaint against That’s Gino and Marty’s restaurant and its owners in Cook County Circuit Court. The complaint alleges violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act and the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, seeking over $20,000 in unpaid wages for at least nine employees.
Freeport Public Works Achieves SHARP Safety Designation
The Illinois Department of Labor announced the City of Freeport Public Works Department has achieved Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status. This designation recognizes employers with exemplary injury and illness prevention programs and exempts them from programmed OSHA inspections.
Colorado Workforce Development Council Welcomes New Members and Chair
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment announced eight new appointments and three reappointments to the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC). Jonathan Liebert was welcomed as the new chair. The CWDC advises and oversees the state's talent development network.
Colorado Employment Situation - November 2025
Colorado's nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 2,700 in November 2025, bringing the total to 3,000,300. The unemployment rate decreased to 3.9 percent. The report also noted a year-over-year job increase of 24,600 and higher average hourly earnings compared to the national average.
Colorado Employment Situation - December 2025
Colorado's nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 1,200 in December 2025, bringing the total to 3,000,100. The unemployment rate decreased to 3.8%. The report also noted a year-over-year job increase of 23,000.
Colorado Just Transition Program Supports Coal Community Entrepreneurs
The Colorado Office of Just Transition (OJT) has partnered with Startup Colorado to launch a Business Startup and Expansion Assistance Program. This initiative aims to support entrepreneurs, particularly former coal industry workers, in coal transition communities by offering resources, mentorship, and potential funding.
Colorado Partners to Expand Quantum Careers and Hiring Support
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and Elevate Quantum have partnered to expand access to quantum-related careers and enhance hiring support for quantum industry employers in Colorado. This initiative will leverage the Connecting Colorado system for skills-based job matching and talent connection.
Washington State Fines Roofing Companies $1.4 Million for Fall Violations
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has issued $1.4 million in fines to five construction companies for serious fall protection violations over the last four months. Falls from heights remain the most cited serious workplace safety violation in the state.
Bus Driver Charged with Workers' Comp Fraud
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced that a Renton bus driver faces a felony theft charge for allegedly collecting over $50,000 in workers' compensation benefits while working other jobs. The charges were filed by the Washington State Attorney General's Office.
Seattle Company Fined for Asbestos Safety Violations
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has fined Seattle Environmental Services LLC over $200,000 for knowingly exposing workers to asbestos and misleading investigators. The company ignored numerous safety rules during an asbestos removal project, putting workers at serious risk.
Massachusetts AG's Labor Day Report Highlights Worker Protections
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released the annual Labor Day Report for Fiscal Year 2025, detailing efforts to protect workers' rights. The report highlights over 1,500 enforcement actions against employers, resulting in the assessment of more than $196.6 million in unpaid wages and penalties for over 137,890 workers.
AG Campbell Cites Construction Company $744,224 for Workers' Rights Violations
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has issued citations totaling over $744,000 against Franca Service, Inc. and its president for violating state wage and hour laws. The citations include restitution for 101 workers and civil penalties for issues such as failure to pay overtime and misclassification of employees.
AG Campbell Secures $865,000 Settlement for Worker Misclassification
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced a $865,000 settlement with online supermarket Weee! for misclassifying over 160 delivery drivers as independent contractors and violating earned sick time laws. Weee! has agreed to reclassify drivers as employees and comply with state labor laws.
AG cites owner over $1M for worker payment failures
The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has issued a citation against William J. Segal, owner of Alpha Healthcare LLC, for over $1 million in penalties and restitution due to failure to make timely wage payments to nearly 500 employees. The citation covers unpaid wages for work performed between September 15, 2024, and September 28, 2024.
State AG Secures $583,000 from Security Company for Wage and Sick Time Violations
The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office secured over $583,000 from Northeast Security, Inc. (NSI) to resolve allegations of violating state wage and earned sick time laws. The settlement includes restitution for over 3,000 workers and state penalties.
Prepaid Card Report on Workers' Compensation Payments
The California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC) has released a final report examining the use of prepaid card programs for workers' compensation indemnity payments. The report considers recommendations for the continuation of such programs.
CHSWC Releases 2025 WOSHTEP Advisory Board Annual Report
The California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC) has released the 2025 Worker Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education Program (WOSHTEP) Advisory Board Annual Report. The report evaluates the use and impact of programs aimed at reducing job-related injuries and illnesses among California workers.
California Teens Learn Workplace Safety and Rights at Leadership Academy
The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency highlighted the 22nd annual Young Worker Leadership Academy, which educated teens on workplace safety and their rights. The event aimed to prepare young workers to recognize hazards and advocate for fair treatment, reflecting the state's commitment to informed workforce entry.
DWC Updates Official Medical Fee Schedule
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has updated the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) for Physician and Non-Physician Practitioner Services. The update incorporates new Medi-Cal rates and corrects existing sections, and is effective for services rendered on or after March 1, 2026.
Cal/OSHA Fines Company $212,850 for Amputation Accident
Cal/OSHA has issued penalties totaling $212,850 to All FAB Precision Sheetmetal, Inc., following an investigation into a workplace amputation accident. The company was cited for multiple violations, including willful and repeat serious accident-related violations related to machine guarding.
DOL Cites Adonel Concrete for 9 Violations After Fatal Injury
The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Adonel Concrete Corp. with nine serious violations following a fatal workplace injury. The company faces $58,604 in proposed penalties for inadequate machine guarding and other safety failures.
Labor proposes rule clarifying employee, contractor status
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to clarify the distinction between employees and independent contractors under federal wage and hour laws. This proposal would rescind the 2024 final rule and revert to an analysis similar to the one used in 2021, aiming to simplify compliance for employers and ensure worker protections.