January Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released BLS estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, municipalities, and counties in Wisconsin for January 2026. Unemployment rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas, all 35 largest cities, and all 72 counties compared to the prior month.
Maine Employment Situation - January 2026
Maine DOL released January 2026 employment data showing the unemployment rate steady at 3.3% for the 13th consecutive month. Nonfarm wage and salary jobs remained near 660,000. The report includes annual revisions to 2024 and 2025 data, adding 4,600 jobs to 2025 averages and 2,100 jobs to 2024 averages.
Intertek Testing Services Expansion Application
OSHA has posted an expansion application from Intertek Testing Services in docket OSHA-2007-0039. Intertek, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), is seeking to expand its OSHA-recognized testing scope. The application is available for public review and comment.
OSHA Retaliation Complaints Information Collection OMB 1218-0236
OSHA is seeking public comments on its information collection request (OMB Control No. 1218-0236) regarding retaliation complaints filed under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act and related whistleblower protection statutes. The agency must obtain OMB approval to continue collecting information about employee complaints alleging retaliation for exercising safety and health rights. Comments are requested on whether the collection is necessary, the accuracy of burden estimates, and the quality of utility of the information.
Intertek Testing Services Revised Expansion Application
OSHA posted Intertek Testing Services' revised expansion application for its Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) program. The application pertains to expansion of testing and certification activities under the NRTL program's scope. This document is part of the administrative record for OSHA-2007-0039.
Walking-Working Surfaces Standard: Removal of Fixed Ladder Fall Protection Deadline
OSHA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to remove a compliance deadline in the Walking-Working Surfaces standard requiring fixed ladders exceeding 24 feet to be equipped with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems. The agency is simultaneously seeking public comment on whether to repeal or revise the underlying requirement entirely, potentially permitting employers to continue using ladder cages or wells instead of personal fall arrest systems.
Colorado Employment Situation – January 2026
Colorado gained 6,600 nonfarm payroll jobs in January 2026, with the unemployment rate rising to 3.9%. Private sector added 7,200 jobs while government lost 600. Year-over-year, payroll jobs decreased by 11,000 with the state's job growth rate at -0.4 percent, trailing the national rate of 0.2 percent.
Civil Rights Division Settlement - Compunnel Software Citizenship Discrimination
DOJ Civil Rights Division secured a $313,420 settlement with Compunnel Software Group for citizenship status discrimination in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The company's recruiters posted job advertisements excluding U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents while favoring H-1B and temporary visa holders. Compunnel will pay $58,000 in back pay to an excluded U.S. worker and $255,420 in civil penalties to Treasury, plus implement injunctive relief including training, monitoring, and compliance enhancements.
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.
Justice Department Intervenes Lawsuit Against MSHSAA for Board Discrimination
The DOJ Civil Rights Division intervened in a lawsuit against the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), alleging race and sex discrimination in board member selection. MSHSAA's constitution requires at-large board seats to be filled by candidates representing an under-represented gender or ethnicity. Dr. Merlyn Johnson, a white male, was disqualified from board candidacy solely based on these characteristics. DOJ argues MSHSAA, as a state actor, lacks a compelling interest in such quotas and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
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.
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.
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.
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.