Labor & Employment

Student Experience Assessment (SEA) of Job Corps Centers - Comment Request

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting public comments on a proposed extension for the Student Experience Assessment (SEA) of Job Corps Centers, an information collection request under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The SEA evaluates whether Job Corps center programs are intensive, well organized, and providing quality services under WIOA. Comments are due June 1, 2026.

Job Corps Health Questionnaire Information Collection Extension

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration is soliciting public comments through June 1, 2026, on extending authority to collect the Job Corps Health Questionnaire. The proposed revision transitions applicant health information collection from paper-based to digital format, reducing average response time. This information collection determines eligibility for Job Corps program participants under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Virtual Layoff Assistance Session

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation will host a free virtual layoff assistance session on April 7, 2026, at 12 p.m. CDT/11 a.m. MDT via Microsoft Teams. The session is designed for recently laid-off individuals seeking to reenter the workforce and will cover applying for reemployment assistance benefits, job search resources, skills building, and training opportunities. South Dakota currently reports more than 17,000 job openings with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, the lowest in the nation. Advance registration is required.

Idaho County Population Growth 2025

Thirty-six of Idaho's 44 counties grew in population in 2025, with 20 growing faster than in 2024. Five urban counties — Ada, Canyon, Kootenai, Bonneville and Twin Falls — each added at least 1,000 new residents, with Ada leading at over 10,000 new residents and Canyon posting the highest growth rate at 2.9%. The three most populous counties (Ada, Canyon and Kootenai) collectively accounted for more than 75% of the state's annual population growth and over 22,000 new residents.

ASCEND Grant Offers Texas Employers Up to $500K for Workforce Training

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for the ASCEND (Advancing Skills, Capabilities, and Expertise for New Development) grant program, a $5 million fund to help employers train their workforce in high-demand industries. Employers may receive reimbursements up to $500,000 or $4,000 per trainee for approved training projects in sectors including advanced manufacturing, IT, aerospace/aviation/defense, nuclear energy, AI, semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare, and shipbuilding. Of the total fund, $1 million is dedicated to domestic shipbuilding training in welding, marine electrical engineering, and manufacturing. Applications are reviewed in order received, with funding awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

EEOC Sues St. Vincent Hospital for Disability Discrimination

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit in federal court against St. Vincent Hospital alleging disability discrimination in violation of federal law. The complaint claims the hospital failed to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities and subsequently terminated those employees. The EEOC seeks back pay, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and injunctive relief for the affected workers.

Cosmos Restaurant Settles Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuit

Cosmos Restaurant in Bay St. Louis has settled a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit with the EEOC, resolving allegations that the restaurant violated federal anti-discrimination law by discriminating against employees based on pregnancy status.

Arkansas Motor Vehicle Dealer Facility Requirements Proposed Rule

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, through the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission, proposes comprehensive facility requirements for licensed motor vehicle dealers under 23 CAR §§ 410-401 through 410-403. The rules would require permanent buildings with electrical and sanitary facilities, minimum 120 square foot display and service areas, signage visible from the road, and posted operating hours of at least three days per week for four continuous hours between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Branch locations would be restricted to used vehicle sales only and could not share the primary franchise name. ATV and low-speed vehicle dealers face modified service requirements, including written service provider agreements within 40 miles if they do not service vehicles sold.

Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission Rule Changes Incorporating Act 233 of 2025

The Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission is proposing amendments to its Administrative Rules to incorporate changes from Act 233 of 2025. The notice opens a public comment period running from April 3, 2026 through May 4, 2026. Comments may be submitted by mail to 900 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 400, Little Rock, AR 72201, or by email to Daniel.c.pace@arkansas.gov, with oral comments available by calling (501) 682-5571.

Arkansas ATV, LSV dealer rules proposed amendments

Arkansas ATV, LSV dealer rules proposed amendments

$3 Million Settlement With Georgia Professional Licensing Boards for SCRA Violations

The DOJ Civil Rights Division and three Georgia U.S. Attorney's Offices entered into a settlement agreement with 42 Georgia state professional licensing boards, resolving allegations that the boards failed to recognize out-of-state professional licenses of servicemembers and military spouses in violation of the SCRA. The settlement provides up to $3 million in compensation for affected servicemembers and spouses, with up to 5,000 individuals potentially eligible. Georgia Boards must also adopt SCRA-compliant policies and establish a streamlined licensing process for military-affected applicants.

Colorado Declares April 2026 Dig Safely Month, Marks 40th Anniversary of 811

Governor Jared Polis has declared April 2026 as "Dig Safely Month" in Colorado to mark the 40th anniversary of Colorado 811, the state's One-Call Notification System. The proclamation reinforces the state law requirement for all excavators, contractors, and property owners to contact 811 before starting any digging project, and highlights mandatory best practices including respecting tolerance zones and potholing. The Damage Prevention Fund, which grew to $336,626 in 2025, is accepting second-round grant applications offering $20,000 for safe-digging education initiatives through April 24, 2026.

Dr. King Career Fair, 150 employers, 4,000 jobs

Dr. King Career Fair, 150 employers, 4,000 jobs

ERISA Fiduciary Duties and Alternative Assets Investment Rule

The Department of Labor's EBSA published a proposed rule (RIN 1210-AC38) clarifying fiduciary duty of prudence under ERISA for selecting designated investment alternatives in participant-directed individual account plans, including asset allocation funds with alternative assets. The proposal provides a safe harbor to alleviate regulatory burdens and litigation risk, implementing Executive Order 14330. Public comments are due June 1, 2026.

Asbestos Shipyards Standard Information Collection Request

DOL-OSHA is submitting an Information Collection Request (ICR) for the Asbestos in Shipyards Standard (OMB Control No. 1218-0195) to OMB for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The standard requires shipyard employers to train workers on asbestos hazards, monitor exposure, provide medical surveillance, and maintain records. Public comments are requested by April 29, 2026.

Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) published a proposed rule (RIN 1210-AC38) clarifying fiduciary prudence duties under ERISA for selecting designated investment alternatives in participant-directed individual account plans, including asset allocation funds containing alternative assets. The proposal implements Executive Order 14330 and provides a safe harbor for plan fiduciaries. The 62-day comment period closes June 1, 2026.

$1M Apprenticeship Grants for Texas Healthcare Workforce

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced $1 million in apprenticeship grant funding to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce. Through this initiative, $500,000 will be available in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, as appropriated by the 89th Texas Legislature and approved by Governor Greg Abbott in Senate Bill 1, to support the creation or expansion of health care apprenticeship programs at Texas hospitals. The funding will cover training and development costs to address staffing shortages while supporting the Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program, which provides essential care to communities across Texas.

EEOC Sues Kroger for Disability Discrimination Over Removed Accommodation

The EEOC has filed a lawsuit against Kroger in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, alleging that the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by removing an existing job accommodation from an employee with a disability. The agency seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and injunctive relief. The lawsuit follows the EEOC's unsuccessful conciliation efforts to reach a pre-litigation settlement with Kroger.

EEOC v. Cogar Group - Religious Discrimination

The EEOC has filed a federal lawsuit (No. 3:25-cv-00412) against Cogar Group LLC alleging the company forced a Baptist deacon to resign from his security job after he requested Sundays off for religious observance. According to the complaint, Cogar Group scheduled the employee for mandatory Sunday shifts, and when he requested an accommodation for his religious beliefs, the company denied the request and required his resignation. The EEOC seeks back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, and punitive damages on behalf of the employee.

EEOC v. Ascend Wellness Holdings - Sexual Harassment

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a federal lawsuit in the Northern District of Illinois alleging sexual harassment at Ascend Wellness Holdings, a cannabis company. The EEOC asserts that the company violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by subjecting employees to a hostile work environment. The commission seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the affected employees.

Six Pittsburgh Defendants Charged Under Matthew Shepard Act for Antisemitic Attack

A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted six residents of the greater Pittsburgh area on March 30, 2026, charging them with hate crimes and obstruction of justice under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act for a September 27, 2024 attack on a Jewish male. Two defendants physically attacked the victim after making antisemitic statements, causing bodily injury including a split lip and headaches. The remaining defendants allegedly coordinated via social media and provided false testimony before a federal grand jury investigating the assault. Maximum penalties are 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 fine per count for hate crimes and obstruction, and 5 years imprisonment and $250,000 fine for conspiracy to obstruct justice.

DOJ Sues Minnesota over Title IX Violations Regarding Girls Sports and Intimate Spaces

The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division filed suit on March 30, 2026, against the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League, alleging Title IX violations for allowing boys to compete in girls' athletic events and access female-designated intimate spaces such as multi-person locker rooms and bathrooms. The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief along with damages for sex-based discrimination against female student athletes. The MDE receives over $3 billion in combined federal funding from the Department of Education and HHS, and MDE has authority over MSHSL athletic policies, including nondiscrimination rules.

Colorado Apprenticeship Month 2026: Spread the Apprenticeship Effect

Colorado's Apprenticeship Month 2026 runs April 1 through May 2, celebrating the state's national leadership in Registered Apprenticeship Programs. The initiative highlights over 100 new programs registered in 2025 spanning healthcare, clean energy, and cybersecurity, and the newly launched Future Ready Apprenticeship Center funded by $12.5 million in federal funds through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor. Events include the eighth annual Colorado Apprenticeship Awards on April 21, an Apprenticeship Career Expo on April 28 in Denver, a virtual expansion call on April 27, and an orientation for career seekers on May 6.

Ann Marie Murray v. Rockys Takeaway - Statutory Redundancy Claim

The WRC Adjudication Officer Seamus Clinton found in favour of Ann Marie Murray in a statutory redundancy claim against Kieran Walsh trading as Rockys Takeaway Ballylinan. Ms Murray was awarded a statutory redundancy lump sum based on employment from 9th April 2014 to 2nd August 2025 at a gross weekly wage of €369.00. The respondent did not attend the hearing despite receiving notice. The award is subject to verification of insurable employment under the Social Welfare Acts during the relevant period.

Hugh Myles v. Mk Tyres - Employment Dispute

Adjudication Officer Niamh O'Carroll issued a decision in case ADJ-00055934 following a hearing on 27 February 2026. The case involved multiple complaints by Hugh Myles against Mark Keenan trading as Mk Tyres, including claims under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, Minimum Notice & Terms of Employment Act 1973, and Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. The Respondent conceded the Minimum Notice complaint (CA-00068072-006). The remaining claims proceeded to adjudication following withdrawal of certain complaint references by the Complainant.

UL LLC NRTL Recognition Scope Expansion

OSHA has issued a final notice expanding UL LLC's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) scope to include one additional test site at 4322 New Energy Way, Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326. The expansion becomes effective March 30, 2026. UL submitted its expansion application on October 6, 2023, and OSHA staff completed facility assessments on February 24-25, 2025.

Extension of OMB Paperwork Approval Comment Period for Whistleblower Retaliation Complaint Procedures

OSHA has extended the public comment period until May 29, 2026, for its request to extend OMB approval of information collection requirements under the Regulations Containing Procedures for the Handling of Retaliation Complaints (whistleblower provisions). The agency is seeking comments on paperwork burden estimates for investigating retaliation complaints under seven environmental statutes and the Energy Reorganization Act.

MTL Advanced Ltd Fined £140,000 After Apprentice Guillotine Injury

MTL Advanced Ltd, a Rotherham-based metal fabrication company, was fined £140,000 and ordered to pay £5,013 in costs plus £2,000 Victim Surcharge at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on 8 November 2024 after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. A 17-year-old apprentice sustained a crush injury to their thumb when it contacted the machine's clamps during metal cutting practice in the company's dedicated Apprentice Training Workshop. HSE's investigation found a large gap in the bed of the guillotine that allowed access to dangerous machinery parts, and critically, the company had failed to identify this risk even after the incident occurred.

Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Winners

The Delaware Division of the Arts announced the winners of its 15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition. The exhibition showcases artwork created by Delaware state employees across multiple categories. The awards ceremony is open to the public and will be held on March 27 at Legislative Hall in Dover.

Pyrotechnician Board of Examiners Meeting

The NY DOL has issued a media advisory announcing a public meeting of the Pyrotechnician Board of Examiners on April 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The Board will convene at two locations in Albany and New York City, with virtual attendance via livestream also available. The Board considers examinations, experience, and competence of applicants for the Pyrotechnician's Certificate of Competence and may make recommendations to the Commissioner.

UL LLC: Grant of Expansion of Recognition

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has granted an expansion of recognition to UL LLC. This notice details the expanded scope of recognition for UL LLC as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). The expansion of recognition becomes effective on March 30, 2026.

Retaliation Complaint Procedures; OMB Approval Extension

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a notice extending the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for information collection requirements related to retaliation complaint procedures. This notice is part of the ongoing process for handling such complaints.

Agency Information Collection Activities and FMLA Comment Request

The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has issued a notice requesting public comment on its information collection activities related to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The comment period closes on May 29, 2026.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Asbestos Standard

The Labor Department is requesting public comment on its information collection activities related to the Asbestos Standard for shipyards. This notice is part of the process for submitting the collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval.

Grand Forks Workforce Center Releases Q1 2026 Newsletter

The Grand Forks Workforce Center, an arm of Job Service North Dakota, released its quarterly Business Service Newsletter for March 2026. The edition highlights upcoming workforce recruitment events, the spring Cash In 2026: Student Career & Job Fairs, statistics from the January 2026 Virtual Job Fair, and the retirement announcement of Job Service North Dakota's Executive Director.

US Wins Second USMCA Panel Case on Labor Rights Denial at Mexican Mine

The U.S. prevailed in its second USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism panel case, involving Orla Mining's Camino Rojo Mine in Zacatecas, Mexico. The panel found that the mine committed a denial of labor rights through employer interference and acquiescence to worker intimidation, including contracting a narcotics trafficker to make death threats against workers seeking independent union representation. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs, in coordination with the U.S. Trade Representative, investigated the case, leading to the resolution in favor of the U.S. This marks the second successful labor case under any trade agreement's dispute settlement mechanism.

Texas Jobs Council Seeks Applicants for Workforce Work Groups

The Texas Jobs Council, established under Governor Greg Abbott, has opened applications for specialized work groups focused on workforce development and economic growth. Texans with experience in apprenticeship expansion, trades careers, workforce pipeline development, and next-generation workforce initiatives are invited to apply by April 7, 2026. The work groups will provide policy recommendations to the Council following its inaugural meeting on March 16, 2026.

EEOC Sues Ourisman Automotive Group for Racial Harassment

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Ourisman Automotive Group alleging racial harassment in violation of federal civil rights law. The action was filed in federal court and marks a formal enforcement proceeding by the EEOC against the automotive dealership. Employers in the automotive retail sector and similar industries should review their anti-harassment policies and complaint procedures.

EEOC Sues Silver Cross Hospital Over Vaccine Mandate

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a lawsuit against Silver Cross Hospital, alleging the hospital violated federal employment discrimination law in administering its COVID-19 vaccination requirements for staff. The enforcement action targets the hospital's handling of employee requests for medical or religious accommodations related to the vaccine mandate. This lawsuit marks one of the first EEOC enforcement actions challenging employer vaccine policies under federal anti-discrimination statutes.

EEOC Secures $35,000 Settlement from Pizza Hut Franchisee Ayvaz for Sex-Based Harassment and Retaliation

The EEOC obtained a $35,000 settlement from Ayvaz Food Corp., operator of multiple Pizza Hut locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, resolving claims that the franchisee subjected employees to sex-based harassment and then retaliated against those who complained. The settlement was finalized as a consent decree requiring Ayvaz to implement specified preventive measures over the three-year monitoring period. This enforcement action underscores the EEOC's continued focus on employer liability for workplace harassment and unlawful retaliation under Title VII.

EEOC Sexual Harassment Suit Against Justin Vineyards & Winery and Wonderful Company Settled for $1.49 Million

The EEOC filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Vineyards & Winery and Wonderful Company, alleging violations of federal civil rights laws protecting workers from sexual harassment in the workplace. The case has been settled for $1.49 million, resolving the EEOC's claims on behalf of affected employees. Agricultural employers and winery operators should review their workplace conduct policies and harassment prevention programs in light of this enforcement action.

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 DOL Schedules Public Hearings on Unemployment Insurance Rule Amendments

The Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Unemployment Compensation has scheduled two public hearings on proposed amendments to unemployment insurance rules responding to PL 235, An Act Regarding the Laws Relating to Unemployment Insurance. The first hearing on April 13, 2026 at 1 p.m. concerns the Able and Available requirement rule; the second on April 14, 2026 at 2 p.m. addresses the Employee Leasing Company rule. Both hearings will take place in the Frances Perkins Room at 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta. Public comment periods close April 24 and April 25, 2026 respectively.

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Applications Open March 30

The Maine Department of Labor announced that the state's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program will begin accepting applications on March 30, 2026, with benefits effective May 1, 2026. The program provides up to 12 weeks of benefits covering medical leave, parental leave, family care leave, military family leave, and safe leave. Since January 2025, Maine workers and employers have funded the program through payroll contributions of 1% for businesses with 15 or more employees (split evenly) and 0.5% for smaller businesses, with self-employed workers able to elect coverage.

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 Weatherization Program Info Session March 30

WorkSource Oregon will host a free information session for job seekers in the Portland Metro area about Oregon Training Institute's Energy Conservation and Weatherization Career Program on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Beaverton/Hillsboro location. The program runs June 8–Sept. 10, 2026, with participants earning $18.20 per hour initially, advancing to $23 per hour upon completion of all three phases. Career paths include retrofit installer, crew leader, energy auditor, quality control inspector, and client services representative.

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.

President Trump Appoints James R. Murphy NLRB Chairman

President Donald J. Trump designated Board Member James R. Murphy as Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board on March 27, 2026. Murphy was nominated by President Trump and sworn in as a Board Member on January 7, 2026, for a term expiring December 16, 2027. Murphy has over 47 years of service at the NLRB, most recently serving as Chief Counsel to former Chairman Marvin Kaplan.

Montana Workforce Development Strategy Public Comment

The Montana State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB) is inviting public comment on proposed revisions to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Plan that would align WIOA and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act under Governor Greg Gianforte's 406 JOBS initiative. Key changes include integrating workforce development, CTE, and work-based learning as a single talent system; shifting federal Adult Education funding from the Office of Public Instruction to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry; and embedding AI literacy as a statewide expectation. The public comment period closes at 5 p.m. on April 27, 2026.

Smallest Gender Wage Gap in Nation at 91.4 Cents Per Dollar

The NYSDOL released its 2026 Gender Wage Gap Report showing New York has the smallest gender wage gap in the nation at 91.4 cents per dollar earned by men, up from 87.3 cents in 2023. Women's earnings grew 6.3% to $66,047 in 2024 versus men's 1.5% growth to $72,238. Despite progress, Hispanic women earn 60.8 cents and Black women 65.7 cents per dollar earned by white non-Hispanic men, with a projected lifetime earnings gap of approximately $247,640 for a typical woman if trends remain unchanged. The report credits Governor Hochul's policies including pay transparency laws, minimum wage increases, paid prenatal leave, and $8.6 billion in child care investments since 2023.