Labor & Employment

Sofidel America Corp. Pays $80,000 in EEOC Sex Discrimination and Retaliation Settlement

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) resolved a sex discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against Sofidel America Corp., a manufacturer of paper products, for $80,000. The company also agreed to provide training, revise its policies, and monitor future complaints as part of the settlement. The claims involved discrimination based on sex and unlawful retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employers should note that EEOC settlements often include systemic compliance terms beyond monetary relief, signaling the agency's continued focus on workplace discrimination enforcement.

Skills, Safety & Needs Research Project Results Presented in Milan

INAIL presented the final results of the 'Skills, Safety & Needs – Health and Safety at Work in the Education and Training System' research project (BRiC 2022, ID34) at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. The national-scale study combined document analysis, interviews, and surveys of school administrators, teachers, and students to examine safety training needs in technical and vocational education institutions. Key recommendations advocate integrating occupational safety as a structural educational dimension rather than a purely compliance-driven exercise.

IDNR Awards 108 Biodiversity Field Trip Grants, $101K, 7,000 Students

IDNR and the Illinois Conservation Foundation awarded 108 biodiversity field trip grants totaling more than $101,000, enabling nearly 7,000 students across 34 Illinois counties to visit state parks, natural areas, and museums. Funding comes from private donations by the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation and the D.F. and M.T. Grohne Family Foundation. The program has distributed more than $1.7 million since 2001, reaching over 146,000 students.

Washington County IL Final Multiplier 1.0000 for 2025 Taxes

The Illinois Department of Revenue has issued Washington County a final property assessment equalization factor (multiplier) of 1.0000 for the 2025 tax year, representing a change from the prior year's factor of 0.9666. The factor of 1.0000 indicates assessments are at approximately 33.75% of market value, aligning with the state-required one-third assessment level. The final multiplier was issued following a public hearing on the tentative factor released on April 2, 2026.

PUBLICA Annual Report 2025: 6.6% Performance, 107.8% Funded Ratio

The Swiss Federal Pension Fund PUBLICA reports 6.6% investment performance for 2025 and a 107.8% funded ratio for open pension plans. Total assets stand at CHF 44.9 billion as of December 31, 2025, serving approximately 70,000 active members and 42,000 pension recipients from the Federal Administration, ETH Domain, and other affiliated organisations. The revised Federal Personnel Act and PUBLICA Act, adopted by the Federal Assembly in 2025, are scheduled to take effect at the start of 2027.

RailCom Issues Two Decisions, New Rhine Port Responsibilities

RailCom issued two legally binding decisions in 2025 concerning non-discriminatory access to the rail network and to intermodal freight terminals. Since 1 January 2026, under amendments to the Goods Carriage Act, RailCom has assumed new responsibilities for ensuring non-discriminatory access to Swiss Rhine port infrastructure. RailCom is also actively working to improve access to infrastructure data in the rail sector through the national mobility data infrastructure (MODI) programme.

Switzerland Launches Kosovo Cooperation Programme, 64.5M CHF

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (DEZA) and the Human Security Division (AFM), has launched a new cooperation programme with Kosovo worth 64.5 million CHF for the period 2026–2029. The programme focuses on democratic governance, sustainable economic development, and equitable human development, continuing Swiss support that began with humanitarian aid in 1998. The programme builds on the 2022–2025 period, during which over 740,000 citizens benefited from improved municipal services under a performance-based financing system now fully funded by Kosovo's own government.

OPM Privacy Act Notice: Routine Use for Treasury Do Not Pay

The Office of Personnel Management proposes to add a routine use to eight systems of records to permit disclosure of records to the U.S. Department of Treasury, including the Do Not Pay Working System. This modification implements Executive Order 14249 (Protecting America's Bank Account Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse) and OMB Memorandum M-25-32 (Preventing Improper Payments and Protecting Privacy Through Do Not Pay). The routine use authorizes Treasury to review payment and award eligibility, identify improper payments, and support fraud prevention activities. Comments are due May 27, 2026, with the new routine uses effective May 28, 2026.

OPM Proposes Critical Position Pay Authority Changes

The Office of Personnel Management proposes to amend 5 CFR parts 535 and 752 governing the critical position pay authority. The proposed rule would establish level I of the Executive Schedule as the default maximum critical pay rate, eliminate the "rare circumstances" and "exceptional circumstances" approval criteria, authorize agencies to use written service agreements, and clarify that reductions or terminations of critical position pay are not adverse actions. Comments are due May 26, 2026.

DWP Publishes Workforce Management Information for March 2026

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published its monthly workforce management transparency data for March 2026, providing public visibility into departmental headcount and payroll costs for permanent staff and contractors. The CSV-format dataset is published on the GOV.UK transparency portal as part of the government's commitment to open public data. No compliance obligations or regulatory changes are contained in this publication.

Maryland State Plan Private Sector Federal Land Jurisdiction Clarification

OSHA issued a notice approving a clarification to the Maryland State Plan (MOSH), specifying that private-sector employment on land leased or held by the United States in Maryland is not covered by the state plan and falls under federal OSHA jurisdiction instead. The clarification covers employment on federal land where federal employees are regularly present, at federal government-owned contractor-operated sites, and on federal property under construction. This clarification is effective April 27, 2026. Affected parties include private employers and contractors operating on federal land or property in Maryland, who should ensure their occupational safety compliance programs align with federal OSHA standards.

OSHA Gear Certification OMB Supporting Statement, Apr

OSHA submitted an OMB Supporting Statement for information collection requirements related to gear certification under OSHA regulations. The document, associated with docket OSHA-2010-0042, provides OMB with the agency's justification for paperwork burden hours and cost estimates for employers required to certify personal protective equipment and safety gear. The supporting statement is part of OSHA's compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act for certification-related recordkeeping requirements.

Mill House Metals Fined £1,000 for Unlawful Absence of Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance

Mill House Metals Ltd, a scrap metal merchant based in Widnes, Cheshire, was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 towards costs at Liverpool Magistrates Court on 15 April 2026 after pleading guilty to breaching the Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969. The prosecution arose from an inspection following an incident at its Hale Road site, which revealed the company held no valid ELCI certificate between 18 April 2025 and 30 September 2025, leaving employees without recourse to civil compensation for work-related injury or illness.

Labor Inspectorate and National Police Joint Operation Results in Arrest for Public Health Crime and Workplace Violations

A joint operation by Spain's Labor and Social Security Inspection and the National Police on April 9, 2026 resulted in the arrest of a warehouse owner in Tenerife on public health crime charges after authorities discovered 12 cannabis plants and cultivation equipment. The operation inspected 9 establishments across 10 companies, identifying 21 workers and uncovering one irregular worker and serious occupational safety deficiencies requiring formal corrective action.

Labour Minister Trinuch Farewells, Thanks Staff, Thai Workers

Former Thai Labour Minister Trinuch Thienthong conducted an official farewell visit to the Ministry of Labour on April 1, 2026, expressing gratitude to executives and civil servants for advancing labour policies. During her tenure, her office facilitated unemployment compensation transfers of THB 1,415,372,249.20 to 536,497 insured persons, deployed 49,506 Thai workers abroad, and organised JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026 which attracted 119,511 participants generating THB 683 million annually. She urged the incoming minister to continue supporting Thai workers and tackling labour challenges amid economic volatility, rising costs, and global conflicts.

Three Mayuree Naree Crew Deaths, Benefits Repatriation Accelerated

Three crew members of the Thai-flagged vessel Mayuree Naree were killed in an attack in the Strait of Hormuz on April 9, 2026. Thailand's Minister of Labour, Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, has instructed the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to coordinate with the shipowner to ensure statutory benefits under the Maritime Labour Act B.E. 2558 are delivered to dependents, including funeral expenses of THB 50,000 and monthly compensation up to THB 14,000 for 10 years (maximum THB 1,680,000). The Social Security Office will urgently visit the families of the three deceased crew members, who were insured under Section 33, to expedite old-age contribution entitlements.

Thai Labour Secretary Meets Paris Ambassador, Advances OECD Accession Talks

Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, met with Mr. Nikorndej Plangoon, Thailand's Ambassador in Paris, on April 7, 2026, at the Royal Thai Embassy to discuss Thailand's OECD accession and bilateral labour cooperation. The meeting covered outcomes from discussions with the OECD Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Committee, demand for Thai workers in France (chefs and massage therapists), and the proposed appointment of a permanent representative to the OECD. Thailand's OECD accession involves over 25 subcommittees and key agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council.

Labour Minister Julapun Attends Cabinet Policy Statement to Parliament

Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, attended the Cabinet's policy statement to Parliament on April 10, 2026, accompanied by senior ministry officials including Deputy Permanent Secretaries and department directors. The officials provided supporting information to the Minister and attended the parliamentary session in accordance with Section 162 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, B.E. 2560, held at the House of Representatives Chamber in Bangkok.

Princess Sirindhorn Receives Thai Red Cross Lucky Draw Proceeds

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn granted an audience to Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, and executives of the Ministry of Labour, who presented proceeds from the Ministry's 2025 Thai Red Cross charity lucky draw sales on April 1, 2026 at Sa Pathum Palace in Bangkok. The funds were presented in support of the Thai Red Cross Society. This is a ceremonial royal audience and charitable presentation; no regulatory obligations or compliance requirements are created.

Hidden Workplace Hazards in Philippines

In this opinion editorial published on World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026, the ILO highlights that psychosocial risks at work—including stress, long hours, job insecurity, isolation, and exposure to violence—are linked to more than 840,000 deaths globally each year. The article notes that in Asia and the Pacific, nearly half of workers exceed 48 hours per week, and in the Philippines specifically, around 60 per cent of workers report that poor mental health affects productivity while 75 per cent believe speaking openly about mental health could limit career prospects. The Philippines has ratified the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), and the ILO calls for collective action to strengthen labour inspection, ensure safe reporting mechanisms, and extend protection to informal and remote sectors.

Belgium Requires Online Bonus Plan Submissions by End of April

SPF Emploi advises Belgian employers that bonus plans covering a full calendar year reference period must be submitted by the end of April 2026. In 2025, approximately 87% of adhesion-act bonus plans were submitted online through www.plansbonus.be. Electronic submission provides advantages including automatic form validation, faster transmission to the relevant joint committee (average 14 days), and email notifications on dossier progress. Company collective agreements, denunciations, and adhesions may also be transmitted via www.transfert.emploi.belgique.be.

Belgium Caregiver Leave Duration Increases From July 2026

Belgium's Law of March 22, 2026 (published April 1, 2026) substantially expands caregiver leave entitlements effective July 1, 2026. Recognized caregivers can now claim up to 6 months of full work contract suspension per person requiring assistance (doubled from 3 months), 12 months of half-time career reduction (up from 6 months), or 30 months of one-fifth career reduction. With employer agreement, full and half-time leave may be taken in shorter segmented periods (monthly or weekly blocks), providing greater flexibility than the prior regime.

New Voluntary Overtime Rules Effective 1 April 2026

Belgium is introducing a new structural voluntary overtime regime effective 1 April 2026. Under this system, workers may perform up to 360 hours of voluntary overtime per year without requiring a reason or compensatory rest. Of these 360 hours, 240 hours will carry no overtime premium, no ONSS (social security) contributions, and no personal income tax. The Horeca sector receives an expanded contingent of 450 hours, with 360 hours exempt from overtime premiums. Administrative procedures are simplified with written worker agreements now valid for one year instead of six months, with tacit renewal. Part-time workers face new restrictions: they can only perform voluntary overtime if there is a temporary workload increase and they have already worked part-time for at least three years.

Oral Argument Docket, June 9, Four Case Parties

The Tennessee Workers' Compensation Appeals Board has scheduled an oral argument session for June 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM CDT in the Tennessee Supreme Court Building, Nashville. Four workers' compensation appeals have been docketed: Howell v. 501K Recycling LLC (Docket No. 2024-70-6705, Jackson), Hands v. Fresenius Medical Care Holdings Inc. (Docket No. 2020-08-0199, Memphis), Antunez v. MG Dyess Inc. (Docket No. 2025-80-2021, Memphis), and Express Employment Professionals v. Harris (Docket No. 025-60-7980, Nashville).

BWC Releases 2025 Annual Report on Tennessee Workers' Compensation Act

The Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) released its 2025 Annual Report covering calendar year 2025 data on the Tennessee Workers' Compensation Act of 2013. The report provides a snapshot of changes and progress in workers' compensation benefits, claims processing, and compliance outcomes for the reporting period. A PDF version of the full report is available for download from the BWC newsroom.

NY WCB Discontinues Fax Claim Submissions Effective April 1, 2026

The New York State Workers' Compensation Board (Board) discontinued acceptance of claim-related paper forms and documentation via fax effective April 1, 2026. The Board's fax number for claims is discontinued, and faxed submissions are no longer accepted for claim-related documents including Independent Medical Examination (IME) reports. Alternative submission methods available include regular US Postal Service mail, email, electronic upload, web filing, and XML form submission. Note: Faxed documents will still be accepted by the Board's Employer Compliance and Alternate Dispute Resolution units.

RFA-2 eForm Now Mandatory for All Payers

The New York State Workers' Compensation Board has made the RFA-2 (Request for Further Action by Insurer/Employer) eForm mandatory for all payers as of April 8, 2026. The Board will reject and take no action on paper RFA-2 forms with a postmark after April 7, 2026. Payers must transition to electronic submission through the Board's system to ensure continued processing of requests for further action in workers' compensation claims.

NY WCB Launches Healthcare Provider Resources

The New York State Workers' Compensation Board announced new discipline-specific webpages for healthcare providers participating in the NYS workers' compensation system, organized by role to give providers quick access to Board authorization requirements, treatment standards under the New York Medical Treatment Guidelines, telehealth rules, prior authorization request information, and billing requirements including electronic CMS-1500 form submission. The Board also established a new dedicated email address for healthcare provider feedback at HCPFeedback@wcb.ny.gov. The Board noted it is updating the Official New York Workers' Compensation Medical Fee Schedule to increase reimbursement and updating deposition regulations to increase fees to healthcare providers.

Amenity Pesticide Usage Statistics for 2024

The Department for Work and Pensions and Health and Safety Executive published an accredited official statistics announcement for the Amenity Pesticide Usage Survey Report for 2024. The statistics will be released on 14 May 2026 at 9:30am. This report contains information on Amenity product usage in 2024, covering pesticides applied in non-agricultural settings such as sports turf, amenity vegetation, and public amenity areas.

Puerto Rico State Plan OSHA Federal Enforcement Changes 2025

OSHA has approved revisions to the Puerto Rico State Plan's Operational Status Agreement (OSA), transferring federal enforcement authority over private-sector employees on federal properties and marine construction back to federal OSHA. The new OSA, signed September 25, 2025, replaces the December 8, 1981 agreement and also clarifies coverage for military installations, USPS contractors, and aircraft cabin crew. Puerto Rico State Plan (PR OSHA) retains authority for private-sector employers generally but loses coverage for the specified federal property and marine construction contexts.

Crane Operator Board Meeting, Albany, April 29, 2026

The Crane Operator Board of Examiners will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Albany, NY. The Board evaluates the examinations, experience, and competence of individuals applying for crane operator licenses and may conduct hearings on certificate suspensions, revocations, or denial of renewals, reporting findings and recommendations to the Commissioner. The meeting is open to the public in person or via livestream.

DOL Updates Financial Literacy Toolkit for Disabled Workers and Their Support Networks

The U.S. Department of Labor has released significant updates to the 'Secure Your Financial Future: A Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities.' The revised toolkit adds a new section for service providers, direct support professionals, and family members who assist disabled workers with career and financial planning. Key additions include FAQs about legal guardians and representative payees, ABLE account information, financial planning worksheets, and quick-reference guides on money management and disability benefits. The toolkit, developed by ODEP, EBSA, and the Employment and Training Administration, covers financial wellness across all stages of the employment life cycle.

Illinois Treasurer Frerichs Announces ICash Online Auction of Unclaimed Property

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announces an online ICash auction of unclaimed property items running April 24 through May 3, 2026, featuring 150 lots including Hall of Fame baseball cards (Ryne Sandberg, Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan), a gold ingot, and an 1868 French Napoleon III coin. The auction, conducted on the HiBid platform, includes commemorative medals, gold jewelry, silver bars, vintage currency, and pocket watches surrendered to the Treasurer's Office after private entities fail to locate owners over several years. Proceeds will be held for rightful owners indefinitely.

Frerichs Returns Record $2.5B via I-Cash Program

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced the I-Cash unclaimed property program has returned over $2.5 billion to more than 2.5 million people, nonprofits, and businesses since 2015. The program, established in the 1960s, was modernized to allow electronic claims filing and cross-referencing state databases. Frerichs also took on insurance companies, working with lawmakers to pass legislation requiring companies to pay unclaimed life insurance benefits, resulting in over $500 million in policies paid directly to beneficiaries. The Enhanced Money Match program has automatically returned over $130 million to more than 870,000 people since 2018.

Max Home Services LLC Cited $172k for Fatal Fall Hazards in Florida

The U.S. Department of Labor cited Max Home Services LLC, operating as Pasat Roofing and Solar Energy, for one willful and two serious violations of federal workplace safety standards following a September 24, 2025 incident in which two workers fell more than 20 feet from a two-story residence while installing tarp. One employee suffered fatal injuries and another sustained serious injuries. The agency proposed penalties totaling $172,324. The employer has contested the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Maryland State Plan; Level of Federal Enforcement: Private Sector Employment on Federal Properties

OSHA has approved a clarification to the Maryland State Plan regarding the scope of federal enforcement on federal properties. The clarification specifies that private-sector employment on land that the United States or any unit of the United States leases or otherwise holds in Maryland is not included in the State Plan's jurisdiction. This clarification approval is effective April 27, 2026, and was issued pursuant to Section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 667).

Max Home Services LLC Cited for Fatal Fall, $172k Penalties

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Max Home Services LLC, operating as Pasat Roofing and Solar Energy, for one willful and two serious violations after an investigation into a September 24, 2025 incident at a two-story residence in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Two employees were installing tarp when they fell into an empty pool; one suffered fatal injuries and the other sustained serious injuries. Investigators determined both employees worked without personal fall protection at heights exceeding 20 feet. The agency also found the employer failed to train employees to recognize fall hazards and did not implement a hazard communication program. Proposed penalties total $172,324. The employer has contested the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Alaska Jobs Up 0.2% in February 2026

Alaska's statewide employment increased by 700 jobs (0.2%) in February 2026 compared to February 2025, according to data from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The transportation, warehousing, and utilities sector led gains with 1,300 new positions, while oil and gas and manufacturing (seafood processing) each added 300 jobs. These gains were largely offset by federal government employment losses of 1,900 positions, reflecting federal budget cuts. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.7%, slightly above the U.S. rate of 4.4%.

WRC 2025 Annual Report: 85% Conciliation Success, 223 Prosecutions

The Workplace Relations Commission published its 2025 Annual Report on 24 April 2026, reporting an 85% conciliation success rate with over 700,000 workers encompassed in the resolution of industrial relations disputes across both public and private sectors. The WRC handled over 64,000 information and advisory calls, completed 5,145 inspection cases, issued over 2,500 adjudication decisions with a median of 39 working days, and recovered €1,578,924 in unpaid wages.

Deputy Minister Efthymiou Addresses Employee Wellbeing at Delphi Forum

Deputy Minister Anna Efthymiou of Greece's Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance delivered remarks at the 11th Delphi Economic Forum panel on 'Employee Wellbeing: Building Resilience in the New Economy.' The speech outlined the government's holistic approach to workplace wellbeing, encompassing mental health, work-life balance, occupational safety modernization, and social insurance reforms. Key initiatives referenced include Law N. 5329/2025, the digital 'ERIDANOS' system, expanded maternity/paternity leave provisions, and AI applications for social security administration. No new compliance obligations or deadlines were established.

Cal/OSHA Heat Training Easton, April 24

Cal/OSHA partnered with the Nisei Farmers League to host its annual heat illness prevention training in Easton, Fresno, on April 24, 2026. The training covered state requirements for preventing heat illness in outdoor and indoor work environments, including nighttime agricultural operations, wildfire smoke protections, and workplace violence prevention. Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention Special Emphasis Program enforces heat regulations and provides multilingual outreach and training for employers and workers across California.

NJDOL Lifts Two Stop-Work Orders Against Solidframe LLC After Settlement

NJDOL reached a settlement with Solidframe LLC of Union City after issuing two stop-work orders on April 10, 2026, for multiple labor law violations affecting workers on public works projects at Island Beach State Park and the New Jersey State Library. The employer paid all liabilities owed, and both stop-work orders were lifted as of April 23, 2026. Violations included unpaid wages, improper employee classification, failure to pay prevailing wage, inaccurate certified payroll records, and Earned Sick Leave violations affecting 9 workers total.

NJDOL Issues Stop-Work Orders Against Two New York Contractors for Wage Theft and Labor Violations

The New Jersey Department of Labor issued stop-work orders against DM Windows of Staten Island, NY, and BLK1 Construction Corp. of New York, NY, on April 14, 2026, after investigators found wage theft and multiple labor law violations on a Newark apartment complex construction project at 430 Market Street. DM Windows, a window installation subcontractor hired by Silhouette Glass U.S., was found to have violated improper worker classification, unpaid wages, and minimum wage, overtime, and Earned Sick Leave requirements affecting 43 workers. BLK1 Construction Corp., a carpentry subcontractor hired by Pop Interiors Inc., was found to have similar violations affecting 38 workers. Civil penalties of $5,000 per day may be assessed against employers conducting business in violation of a stop-work order.

OiRA and IRAT Community Meeting Held in Bilbao to Strengthen Online Risk Assessment Tools

EU-OSHA hosted the OiRA and IRAT Community Meeting in Bilbao on 21–22 April 2026, bringing together national partners to strengthen the visibility and use of Online interactive Risk Assessment (OiRA) tools among micro and small enterprises. The meeting featured the introduction of new video tutorials designed to attract more users and facilitate easier use of the platform. Partners shared experiences and drew inspiration from one another's national approaches to workplace risk assessment.

Workers Memorial Day Commemoration, April 28, State House, Augusta

The Maine Department of Labor and Maine Labor Group on Health will hold a Workers Memorial Day remembrance on April 28, 2026 at 12:15 p.m. on the North Lawn of the State House in Augusta. The event commemorates 21 Maine workers who died in 2025 due to workplace injuries or illnesses, including 19 who died in-state and 2 who died while working out of state. The public and press are invited to attend.

Industrial Chemicals Ltd Fined £3.8M After Workers Suffer Caustic Burns

Industrial Chemicals Limited (ICL) was fined £3.8 million and ordered to pay costs of £124,748 at Southwark Crown Court on 21 April 2026 after pleading guilty to two charges of breaching Regulation 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. In the first incident at West Thurrock on 6 December 2019, an employee lost part of his leg below the knee after stepping in a puddle of caustic soda; his safety boots were not in good condition and had not been sufficiently tested against British Standards. In the second incident at Grays on 30 August 2022, another employee required skin grafts after suffering burns while manually decanting caustic soda; there was no risk assessment or documented safe system of work for this task. HSE found a consistent failure to properly assess and control the risks associated with handling and containing hazardous substances across both sites.

Andrei Blaga v Thornton's Recycling - Statutory Redundancy Decision

The WRC Adjudication Officer issued a decision in statutory redundancy claim ADJ-00064211 brought by Andrei Blaga against Padraig Thornton Waste Disposal Limited t/a Thornton's Recycling. The complainant alleged his position as Machine Driver ceased to exist following a fire at the MDR Facility and sought statutory redundancy entitlement. The employer refused to process the payment, claiming it had offered alternative employment. The adjudicator examined whether the offered positions at two outdoor facilities constituted suitable alternative employment under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967-2014. The decision addressed the statutory framework for redundancy calculations (two weeks' pay per year of service plus one bonus week, capped at €600 per week) and the criteria for suitable alternative employment, including working conditions, location, and health and safety implications. Employers facing genuine redundancy situations should ensure any alternative employment offered meets the statutory suitability threshold, as merely offering any position does not discharge redundancy obligations.

Nikola Uzarevic v CT Electric (IRE) Ltd - Unfair Dismissal Claim Dismissed on Procedural Grounds

An Adjudication Officer of Ireland's Workplace Relations Commission dismissed an unfair dismissal claim filed by Nikola Uzarevic against CT Electric (IRE) Ltd after finding that the named respondent did not employ the Complainant. The Complainant had incorrectly identified his employer as "CT Electric (IRE) Ltd" rather than the actual entity "CT Electrical (IRE) Limited." The Correct Respondent refused to consent to amendment of proceedings, and while leave was granted to pursue the Correct Respondent under Section 39(4) of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 in separate proceedings (ADJ-00062275), the claim against the Incorrect Respondent fails on procedural grounds.

Nikola Uzarevic vs CT Electrical Unfair Dismissal

WRC Adjudication Officer Michael MacNamee issued a decision on the unfair dismissal claim brought by Nikola Uzarevic against his former employer CT Electrical (Ire) Ltd, following a hearing conducted remotely on 30 March 2026. The case involved a preliminary issue regarding correction of the respondent's name on the complaint form and the substantive claim of unfair dismissal after the complainant returned from parental leave. The complainant alleged the employer told him the contractor did not want new people on the site, effectively ending his employment, while the respondent maintained he left voluntarily.

Nevada Adds 34,500 Jobs, 2.2% Growth

Nevada added 34,500 jobs from February 2025 to February 2026, a 2.2% increase, growing at more than double the rate of the second-fastest-growing state (0.8%). The state ranked in the top five nationally for total jobs added over a twelve-month period for the first time since the early 2000s. Leading sectors included Information (7.2%, #1 nationally), Professional and Business Services (4.9%, #1 nationally), Arts/Entertainment/Recreation (7.9%, #2 nationally), and Health Care and Social Assistance (4.4%, #1 nationally).