Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board Meeting Scheduled
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board will hold a public meeting on April 15, 2026 from 8:15 AM to 3:00 PM. The meeting agenda covers review of unemployment insurance appeals. The public may attend or contact Brenda Bassett, Public Information Officer, for additional information.
Asset Allocation Interest Assumptions for Single-Employer Plans
PBGC issued a final rule amending 29 CFR Part 4044 to update the interest assumption spreads for valuing benefits under terminating single-employer plans. The rule applies to plans with valuation dates from April 30, 2026 through July 30, 2026. These assumptions are used by plan sponsors, actuaries, and PBGC for pension valuations, withdrawal liability calculations, and special financial assistance determinations.
Private Sector Employment Up 20,200 Jobs in January 2026
The New York State Department of Labor released employment data showing private sector employment increased by 20,200 jobs in January 2026. This monthly labor market report provides current employment statistics for New York State.
OSHA and Wage and Hour Division Host Safety Stand-Down Webinar
OSHA announced an April 8 webinar to help employers prepare for the 2026 Safety Stand-Down, part of the 20th annual Georgia Struck-by Alliance's Safety Stand-Down. The agency will provide free compliance resources, consultation services information, and details about its Safety Champions Program.
New Jersey Employment Report - Job Growth and Unemployment
The New Jersey Department of Labor released preliminary January 2026 employment data showing the state added 6,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate declining to 5.2% from 5.4% in December. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual benchmark revisions adjusted 2025 employment estimates, revising the year-over-year job gain down to 5,100 from the previously reported 9,000.
Restaurant Franchise Overtime Violations - IHOP Franchises in NC and SC
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $95,095 in back wages for 33 cooks at three IHOP franchise locations in North and South Carolina. The investigation found Foothills Hospitality LLC, Sandhill Hospitality LLC, and Highland Hospitality LLC violated overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act by paying straight time instead of time-and-a-half for hours exceeding 40 per week. The employers also falsified payroll records by listing overtime wages as bonuses.
Cintas Westland wins MVPP Star workplace safety award
MIOSHA awarded Cintas Corporation K15 in Westland the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star Award, recognizing exemplary workplace safety and health management. The facility employs 95 workers and provides contamination control garment processing services supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and electronics industries. Only 29 worksites across Michigan currently hold MVPP Star status, MIOSHA's highest workplace safety recognition.
Federal Employee Performance Appraisal Rule - Citation Correction
OPM issued a correction on March 26, 2026, to its proposed rule on performance appraisal for General Schedule, Prevailing Rate, and certain other federal employees. The correction updates a missing Federal Register citation in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section, changing the placeholder '90 FR xxxxx (MM, DD, YYYY)' to the correct citation '91 FR 10904 (March 5, 2026)'. This administrative correction does not alter any substantive requirements or the scope of the proposed rule.
Withdrawal of Administrative Law Judges Proposed Rule
OPM has withdrawn its 2020 proposed rule (85 FR 59207) that would have revised regulations governing the appointment and employment of administrative law judges. The withdrawal is effective April 2, 2026. OPM cited that the public comments received are over five years old and that agencies have already implemented Executive Order 13843 as reasons for the withdrawal.
ERISA Employee Benefit Plan Claims Procedure - Information Collection Request
The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR) to OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act regarding ERISA employee benefit plan claims procedures. The ICR covers requirements for plans to provide claimants with written denial notices containing specific reasons, plan provisions references, and appeal instructions. Public comments are requested by May 4, 2026.
Information Collection Request for Life Insurance Prohibited Transaction Exemption 92-6
The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting an Information Collection Request (ICR) to OMB for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act regarding PTE 92-6, which exempts employee benefit plans from prohibited transaction restrictions when selling individual life insurance or annuity contracts. Public comments on this ICR are invited through May 4, 2026.
Mountain Coal Company Modification Petition for Trailing Cable Requirements
MSHA published a notice seeking public comment on a petition for modification from Mountain Coal Company, LLC regarding trailing cable requirements at the West Elk Mine in Colorado. The petitioner requests authorization to use 1,100 feet of No. 2 AWG G-GC trailing cable for shuttle cars and mobile roof bolters operating at 995 volts AC. Comments must be submitted by May 4, 2026.
Mine Safety Modification Decisions
MSHA published a notice listing petitions for modification of mandatory mine safety standards that were granted between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. The notice covers three granted petitions involving 3M Company (Corona Plant, California) and Mach Mining LLC (Mach #1 Mine, Illinois). The affected regulations include 30 CFR 56.13020 (compressed air) and 30 CFR 75.500(d) and 75.507-1(a) (electrical equipment standards).
Marfork Coal petitions MSHA for safety standard modifications
MSHA published a notice of a petition for modification filed by Marfork Coal Company, LLC requesting a variance from 30 CFR 75.500(d) to permit use of a 3M Versaflow TR-800-HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator motor/blower and battery at the Glen Alum Tunnel Mine in West Virginia. The petition claims no battery-powered respirators currently meet MSHA permissibility standards for use in potentially explosive underground atmospheres. MSHA is soliciting public comments on the petition by May 4, 2026.
Petition for Modification of Coarse Coal Refuse Backfill Standards
MSHA published a notice seeking public comments on a petition for modification submitted by Kepler Processing Company, LLC regarding 30 CFR 77.214(a) (Refuse Piles; general). The petitioner requests approval to use coarse coal refuse as backfill material for five mine openings at the inactive Road Fork Development Company—Kepler Sewell Mine in West Virginia. Comments are due by May 4, 2026.
Marfork Coal Company petition to modify permissible equipment standard
MSHA published a notice seeking public comments on a petition for modification filed by Marfork Coal Company, LLC regarding its Glen Alum Tunnel Mine in West Virginia. The petitioner requests authorization to use a 3M Versaflow TR-800-HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) as an alternative compliance method under 30 CFR 75.507-1(a). Comments on the petition must be received by May 4, 2026.
Petition for Modification - Fan Testing Requirements at Prairie Eagle Underground Mine
MSHA published a notice seeking public comments on a petition for modification filed by Knight Hawk Coal, LLC regarding 30 CFR 75.312(c) fan testing requirements. The petitioner seeks to test the automatic fan signal device at Prairie Eagle Underground Mine (MSHA ID No. 11-03147) every 31 days without stopping the fan. Comments must be submitted by May 4, 2026.
Safety Standard Modification Request - Respirable Dust Protection
MSHA published a notice of petition for modification from Marfork Coal Company, LLC requesting approval to use an alternative respirable dust protection method at the Glen Alum Tunnel Mine in West Virginia. The petitioner seeks to use a 3M Versaflow TR-800-HIK Intrinsically Safe PAPR motor/battery unit, which currently lacks MSHA permissibility certification. Public comments are invited until May 4, 2026.
Mountain Coal Company petitions MSHA for safety standards modification
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published a notice that Mountain Coal Company has petitioned for modification of existing mandatory safety standards under 30 CFR. The petition seeks alternative methods of compliance with current safety requirements applicable to mining operations. MSHA is soliciting public comments on the petition, with the comment period closing 31 days after publication.
Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has published a petition filed by Kepler Processing requesting modification of existing mandatory safety standards. The petition, published on April 3, 2026, seeks alternative means of compliance with current mining safety requirements. MSHA is soliciting public comments on this petition, with the comment period closing on May 4, 2026.
Petition for Modification of Safety Standards - Marfork Coal Company
MSHA published a petition filed by Marfork Coal Company requesting modification of existing mandatory safety standards. The petition seeks an alternative method or procedure for compliance with specific safety requirements at a mine operation. The notice opens a 31-day public comment period closing May 4, 2026.
Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
MSHA published a petition filed by Marfork Coal requesting modification of existing mandatory safety standards applicable to mining operations. The petition seeks to alter how current safety requirements apply to the company's specific mining conditions. MSHA is soliciting public comments on this petition, with the comment period closing on May 4, 2026.
Employee Benefit Plan Claims Procedure Under ERISA - OMB Information Collection Comment Request
The Department of Labor has submitted an information collection request to OMB regarding Employee Benefit Plan Claims Procedure under ERISA. The notice requests public comments on the burden hours and information requirements for ERISA-covered employee benefit plans. Comments are due by May 4, 2026.
Prohibited Transaction Exemption 1992-6: Sale of Life Insurance by Employee Benefit Plans
The Department of Labor has published a Federal Register notice seeking public comments on information collection requirements related to Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption (PTE) 1992-6, which permits employee benefit plans to sell individual life insurance or annuity contracts. The notice is part of the OMB review process required under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Comments must be submitted by May 4, 2026.
Knight Hawk Coal Petition - MSHA Safety Standards Modification Request
MSHA published a petition from Knight Hawk Coal requesting modification of existing mandatory safety standards under 30 CFR. The petition is open for public comment through May 4, 2026. This is a standard petition process allowing mine operators to request alternative compliance methods when strict standard application would cause undue hardship.
Marfork Coal Company Petition for Safety Standards Modification
The Mine Safety and Health Administration published a petition filed by Marfork Coal Company seeking modification of existing mandatory safety standards. The petition is open for public comment until May 4, 2026. This is a routine administrative filing under MSHA's petition process.
Affirmative Decisions on MSHA Modification Petitions Granted
MSHA published a notice announcing affirmative decisions on petitions for modification submitted by mining operations. The decisions grant modifications to existing safety standards for specific mine sites. This is a routine administrative action with no new compliance requirements imposed on the mining industry.
Michigan Organizations Receive Grants for Employee Transportation Programs
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) awarded $60,000 in grant funding through the Reliable Rides Incentive Grant Pilot Program to three organizations for developing employee transportation programs. Each recipient receives $20,000 to implement workforce transportation initiatives targeting employment barriers. Recipients include Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church (Flint), LM Manufacturing (Detroit), and Manthei Wood Products (Petoskey).
Women in Michigan Workforce Report - Pay Gaps and Childcare Barriers
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity published its 2026 Women in the Michigan Workforce report, showing women represent nearly half the state labor force. The report documents a pay gap of 79 cents per dollar earned by men, with women's median earnings at $52,390 compared to $66,130 for men. The gap widened from 82 cents in 2023 as men's earnings grew faster at 5.9% versus 2.8% for women.
Iowa Awards $250,000 in Grants to Boost Youth Internships
Iowa Workforce Development announced $250,000 in Summer Youth Internship Grants to nine organizations across Iowa. The grants will serve nearly 200 youth in high-demand industries including healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades. Awardees range from healthcare hospitals to educational institutions and manufacturing firms.
Idaho Economists Analyze Migration Housing Work-from-Home Trends
Idaho Department of Labor economists will host an April 7, 2026 webinar analyzing the U.S. Census Bureau's first full post-pandemic 5-year American Community Survey data for Idaho counties. The webinar will cover migration, housing, and work-from-home trends. No regulatory obligations or compliance requirements are created by this informational announcement.
Georgia Unemployment 3.5%, Record Labor Force Highs
Georgia Department of Labor announced January 2026 employment statistics showing 3.5% unemployment (0.8 percentage points below the national rate), record labor force of 5,445,612 and record employment of 5,252,878. Job gains in healthcare/social assistance (+22,200 YoY) and construction (+5,700 YoY) offset losses in federal government (-12,500 YoY).