Labor & Employment

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).

OMFS Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Fee Adjustments

The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has issued an administrative order adjusting the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) for Pathology and Clinical Laboratory services. The adjustment conforms the state workers' compensation fee schedule to Medicare's calendar year 2026 quarter 2 update, as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The updated fees are effective for services rendered on or after April 1, 2026.

Worker Training Grants Program

Wisconsin DWD announces approximately $1 million in Wisconsin Fast Forward grants available to employers of all sizes and sectors. Grants range from $5,000 to $400,000+ and reimburse costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and existing workers. Applications are due 3 p.m. CST on May 4, 2026.

Wisconsin January 2026 Unemployment Rate Statistics

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released January 2026 preliminary employment statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.3%, up 0.3 percentage points from December, though remaining 1.0 percentage points below the national rate of 4.3%. Total employment reached 3,017,400 with a labor force participation rate of 64.3%.

WRC dismisses discrimination claim against Tots Creche

The Workplace Relations Commission Adjudication Officer dismissed a discrimination complaint filed by Rebecca Swords against Tots Creche under the Employment Equality Acts, 1998-2015. The complainant alleged discrimination on gender and family status grounds, claiming she was denied a childcare place for her child upon returning from maternity leave. The case was heard in March and December 2025, with the complaint reference CA-00071936-001.

Montana Workplace Injury Statistics Report

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry released the 2024 Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Report on April 2, 2026, documenting 13,200 OSHA-recordable nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry workers, with an overall incidence rate of 3.4 cases per 100 full-time workers. The report identifies industry-specific injury rates, with retail trade and manufacturing showing the highest rates at 4.6, while mining, utilities, and finance sectors reported lower rates.

Construction firm and director sentenced after worker fell through stairwell

HSE prosecuted BHG (Stone) Limited and its director Alistair Howells for violations of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 after a 26-year-old worker fell through an unprotected stairwell opening during apartment construction. The worker sustained serious injuries including skull and back fractures. The company was fined £16,000 plus £4,000 costs, while the director received a fine of £2,000 plus £1,386 costs.