DOL Proposes Wage Rule Changes for Foreign Nationals
The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has proposed revisions to regulations governing prevailing wages for foreign nationals seeking employment in the U.S. via the PERM, H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 visa programs. The proposed changes aim to better align wage levels with U.S. worker wages and strengthen program integrity.
Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Applications Open March 30
The Maine Department of Labor announced that applications for the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will open on March 30, 2026. Benefits, which provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for medical, parental, family care, military family, and safe leave, will be available starting May 1, 2026. The program is funded by payroll contributions implemented in January 2025.
Maine Proclaims March 26 National Equal Pay Day
Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed March 26, 2026, as National Equal Pay Day in Maine. This proclamation highlights the persistent wage gap affecting women, particularly women of color, and reaffirms Maine's commitment to equal pay for equal work.
Unemployment Insurance Rule Update Public Hearings
The Maine Department of Labor is holding public hearings on April 13-14, 2026, to gather input on proposed amendments to the rules governing Unemployment Insurance's Able and Available requirement and Employee Leasing Companies. These changes are necessitated by recent legislation (PL 235). Public comments are being accepted until April 24 and April 25, 2026, respectively.
Improving Wage Protections for Foreign Nationals
The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has proposed revisions to regulations governing prevailing wages for foreign nationals seeking employment in the U.S. via PERM, H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visas. The proposed rule aims to better align wage levels with U.S. worker wages and strengthen program integrity.
Oregon Training Institute Paid Weatherization Program Info Session
WorkSource Oregon is hosting an information session for the Oregon Training Institute's paid Energy Conservation and Weatherization Career Program. Job seekers in the Portland Metro area can learn about and apply for the program, which offers training and potential employment in the weatherization field, with starting wages of $18.20 per hour.
TUV SUD America Application for Yonezawa
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published an application from TUV SUD America regarding Yonezawa. This notice serves as an informational update on the application's status within the agency's regulatory process.
James R. Murphy Appointed NLRB Chairman
President Donald J. Trump has designated Board Member James R. Murphy as the new Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board, effective March 27, 2026. Chairman Murphy expressed his commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of American workers.
Montana Workforce Development Strategy Public Comment
The Montana State Workforce Innovation Board is seeking public comment on a revised state plan to align education and workforce systems under the 406 JOBS initiative. This plan integrates WIOA and Perkins Career and Technical Education Act programs to better meet employer and worker needs.
NY State Labor Marks Equal Pay Day, Announces Smallest Gender Wage Gap
The New York State Department of Labor announced that New York has the smallest gender wage gap in the nation, with women earning 91.4 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2024. This represents significant progress from the previous year, driven by stronger earnings growth for women. The report also highlights persistent disparities for women of color.
26th Annual Dr. King Career Fair Announced
The New York State Department of Labor announced the 26th annual Dr. King Career Fair, scheduled for April 2, 2026. The event will feature over 150 businesses offering nearly 4,000 job opportunities and will include services such as resume review and career exploration.
Builders Merchant Fined £2.2M After Worker Killed in Conveyor Crush
Huws Gray Limited, a major builders merchant, has been fined £2.2 million after a worker, Paul Coulson, was fatally crushed by a pallet of timber in May 2024. The Health and Safety Executive investigation found the company had identified dangerous working practices but failed to implement adequate preventative measures until after the incident.
OSHA Cites Georgia Stone Firms for Silica, Noise Violations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited two Georgia stone product manufacturers, Stone Atlanta Countertops Inc. and GT Stone Granite LLC, for exposing workers to respirable crystalline silica and noise. OSHA proposed a total of $116,306 in penalties for repeat and serious violations, including failures in respiratory protection and exposure control plans.
OSHA cites Georgia stone firms for silica, safety violations
OSHA has cited two Georgia stone product manufacturers, Stone Atlanta Countertops Inc. and GT Stone Granite LLC, for failing to address previous safety violations related to silica exposure. The agency proposed a total of $116,306 in penalties for repeat and serious violations concerning worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica and noise.
OPM Corrects Proposed Rule on Employee Performance Appraisals
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a correction to a proposed rule concerning employee performance appraisals. This correction addresses missing Federal Register citation information within the original proposed rule, ensuring completeness for readers. The correction is effective immediately upon publication.
National Worker Survey Information Collection Request
The Department of Labor is seeking public comment on a new information collection request for the National Worker Survey. The survey aims to estimate non-compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and will inform DOL's enforcement strategies. The comment period closes on April 27, 2026.
Sunshine Act Meeting Cancellation
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission has cancelled its Sunshine Act meeting previously scheduled for March 26, 2026. The cancellation notice was published on March 24, 2026, and supersedes a previous announcement from March 10, 2026.
Sioux Falls Hiring Events in April
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation announced a series of "Career Connect Thursday" hiring events in Sioux Falls during April 2026. These events provide job seekers direct access to local employers and hiring managers.
IowaWORKS Launches Highway 30 Corridor Career Fair Series
IowaWORKS has announced a new series of regional job fairs along the Highway 30 Corridor scheduled for summer 2026. The initiative aims to connect job seekers with career opportunities and provide workforce services, with employers encouraged to participate.
2026 Iowa Labor Force Data Release Schedule
Iowa Workforce Development has announced the 2026 release schedule for statewide and area labor force data. The schedule details when news releases for each reference month will be published throughout the upcoming year, starting with January data releases in April 2026.
DWC Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Meeting Announcement
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has announced a virtual meeting of its Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee scheduled for April 15, 2026. The committee serves as an advisory body to consult on updates to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS) drug formulary.
DOL Proposes Rule Revising H-1B, PERM Prevailing Wage Methodology
The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has proposed a rule to revise the prevailing wage methodology for H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM visa programs. The proposed changes aim to ensure foreign workers are paid wages aligned with those of similarly employed American workers, thereby protecting American jobs and wages.
EEOC Sues Damar Services for Disability Discrimination
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Damar Services, Inc. alleging disability discrimination. The lawsuit claims the company violated federal anti-discrimination laws by failing to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities.