Labor & Employment

DWC Adjusts OMFS for Hospital Outpatient Departments and ASCs

The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has posted an order adjusting the Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) to conform to changes in the Medicare payment system as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The order adopts CMS Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) April 2026 Addendum A and B, plus the ASC Payment System April 2026 updates. The order is effective for services rendered on or after April 1, 2026.

Michigan Promotes Career Pathways, Free Pathfinder Tool Available During Career Exploration Month

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) are promoting Career Exploration and Awareness Month in April 2026, encouraging residents to use the free Pathfinder career exploration tool to discover in-demand career pathways. LEO is highlighting workforce programs including Michigan Reconnect, Pure Michigan Talent Connect (with over 80,000 active job openings), and reports such as the Hot 50 Job Outlook through 2032. The state is expanding access to training and career development opportunities to strengthen Michigan's economic competitiveness.

Supplier Conversion Grants Deadline Extended to April 28

The Community and Worker Economic Transition Office extended the application deadline for the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program to Tuesday, April 28 at 3 p.m. EDT. The program allocated $22.6 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for small and medium-sized automotive manufacturers to retool facilities for electric vehicle supply chains. Eligible manufacturers may use funds to offset costs for fixed assets, machinery, equipment, technology, and training. Applications are submitted electronically through the LEO EGrAMs website, and grants are disbursed on a reimbursement basis with matching funds required.

BLS Benchmark Adjustments Revise Idaho 2025 Labor Force, Unemployment Data

The Bureau of Labor Statistics performed its annual February benchmarking process for Idaho's 2025 labor force estimates, incorporating previously unavailable data such as updated Census population estimates and Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages figures. The adjustments resulted in lower unemployment rates than initially reported for most of 2025, though the post-benchmarked unemployment rate for December 2025 remained at 3.6%. County, city, and smaller statistical area benchmarked data will be available May 22, 2026.

Idaho Unemployment Rate Increases to 3.7% in January 2026

Idaho's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 3.6% in December to 3.7% in January 2026, with the labor force declining by 105 people to 1,009,832 and total employment decreasing by 504 (-0.1%) to 972,737. Nonfarm jobs saw a net decrease of 2,400 (-0.3%) to 879,700, with Construction (-4.4%) and Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (-4.1%) experiencing the largest sector losses, while Accommodation and Food Services (2.1%) and Private Educational Services (1.1%) posted gains. Year-over-year, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.7% compared to January 2025, with total nonfarm jobs increasing 0.8% (7,000 positions).

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.

TWC Grant Opportunity for Adult Education Programs in Panhandle and Deep East Texas

The Texas Workforce Commission is accepting applications for grants to fund Adult Education and Literacy programs serving Panhandle and Deep East Texas workforce development areas. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2026. Eligible applicants include local educational agencies, community-based organizations, non-profit institutions, libraries, and institutions of higher education located within those designated workforce development areas.

TexasInternNetwork.com Launch - Free Internship Hub for Employers and Students

The Texas Workforce Commission launched TexasInternNetwork.com, a free modernized internship platform providing AI-powered tools for resume assistance, cover letter support, and interview coaching. The platform connects students with paid internships across Texas and is a collaborative effort involving TWC, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Employers and students can register on the site, with the next Conference Series event scheduled for April 23 at Austin Community College's Highland Campus.

2026 Gulf Coast Military and Civilian Job Fair, Biloxi, April 7

MDES announces the 2026 Gulf Coast Military & Civilian Job Fair on April 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Biloxi Civic Center. The event aims to connect job seekers, especially military veterans transitioning to civilian careers, with employers across various industries, featuring on-site interviews. Job seekers are encouraged to dress professionally, bring resumes, and contact WIN Job Centers for resume or interview assistance.

iPRO Dental Laboratory Pays $30,000 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement

iPRO Dental Laboratory has agreed to pay $30,000 to settle a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit filed by the EEOC. The complaint alleged the employer violated federal law by discriminating against an employee based on pregnancy. The settlement includes compensatory damages and was resolved through a conciliation agreement between the parties.

Record $660M Recovery for Employment Discrimination Victims in FY2024

The EEOC has reported a record $660 million in monetary relief for employment discrimination victims in fiscal year 2024, covering cases involving race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age (40 and older), disability, genetic information, and retaliation. The agency filed 143 lawsuits and resolved 93 cases on their merits during the fiscal year, demonstrating sustained enforcement activity across all protected categories under federal employment discrimination law.

Massachusetts Local Labor Market Unemployment and Job Estimates January 2026

Local unemployment rates increased in all twelve Massachusetts labor market areas in January 2026 compared to December 2025, with rates up year-over-year in eleven of twelve areas. All seven MSA and Metropolitan Division areas lost jobs compared to the prior month, with the largest monthly percentage decreases in Barnstable Town (-3.7%), Amherst Town-Northampton (-3.5%), and Boston Metropolitan Division (-2.1%). The statewide unadjusted unemployment rate was 5.2%, 0.6 percentage points above the nation's unadjusted rate of 4.6%.

CT adds 5,300 jobs Jan, unemployment rises to 4.5%

The Connecticut Department of Labor released January jobs numbers and 2025 year-end labor data showing the state added 5,300 jobs during January while the unemployment rate rose to 4.5%. The monthly employment report provides updated labor market statistics for the state.

HSE Launches Consultation on RIDDOR 2013 Reform

The Health and Safety Executive has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). The consultation proposes both legislative changes—including clarified definitions, a revised list of dangerous occurrences, an updated occupational diseases list, and broadened diagnostic authority beyond GMC-registered doctors—and non-legislative changes to simplify the online RIDDOR reporting form. The consultation closes on 30 June 2026, and HSE is particularly encouraging responses from duty holders, self-employed workers, those in control of work premises, and healthcare practitioners involved in diagnosing work-related conditions.

H-2A and H-2B Allowable Charges for Meals and Travel Subsistence Updated

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration published an annual update to allowable meal charges and travel subsistence reimbursement rates for H-2A and H-2B foreign workers. The notice updates the maximum amounts that H-2B employers may charge agricultural workers for meals and the lodging rates that qualify for meal deduction, effective April 7, 2026. This is a routine annual adjustment of existing rates with no new policy requirements.

Maine CareerCenters Virtual Hiring Event May 7, 2026

Maine CareerCenters and the Maine Department of Labor are hosting a statewide virtual hiring event on May 7, 2026 from 11:00–13:00. Job seekers can chat online with dozens of employers, submit applications, and upload resumes during the two-hour event. Registration is available at the event portal link provided in the announcement.

South Dakota Contractor Sued for Firing Injury-Reporting Whistleblower

The U.S. Department of Labor has filed suit against Stone Hill Excavation LLC and its successor Split Rock Sand & Gravel in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, alleging the companies violated the whistleblower provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act by firing an employee two days after the worker reported second- and third-degree burns from scalding water in a pressurized pipe. The suit seeks reinstatement of the employee, back wages, and $100,000 in punitive damages. Construction employers should ensure their injury-reporting and whistleblower-retaliation policies comply with OSHA requirements.

South Dakota Construction Company Sued for Whistleblower Retaliation

The U.S. Department of Labor has filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota against Stone Hill Excavation LLC and its successor Split Rock Sand & Gravel for allegedly violating the whistleblower provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. OSHA's investigation found the employee suffered second- and third-degree burns from scalding water in a pressurized pipe and was terminated two days after reporting the injury. The department seeks reinstatement of the employee, back wages, and damages including $100,000 in punitive damages.

Application for Use of Public Space in Frances Perkins Building

The Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) is soliciting public comments on a proposed information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act for applications to use public space in the Frances Perkins Building. The collection captures requester information, event descriptions, dates, times, and approvals. DOL receives fewer than 10 non-DOL agency requests annually but must maintain PRA authority as the collection is of general applicability.

MSHA Delays Silica Exposure Rule for Miners

MSHA issued a final rule delaying the effective date of conforming amendments to its respirable crystalline silica standards for metal and nonmetal mines. The delay follows a judicial stay from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Existing standards in 30 CFR 56.5001, 56.5005, 57.5001, and 57.5005 remain in effect while the court reviews the 2024 Silica Rule.

Ladder Safety System Deadline Removal

OSHA has published a proposed rule to remove the compliance deadline requiring fixed ladders exceeding 24 feet above a lower level to be equipped with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems. The agency is accepting public comments until June 5, 2026 on whether to repeal or revise the personal fall arrest system requirement and instead permit employers to continue using ladder cages or wells.

Asset Allocation Interest Assumptions for Single-Employer Plans

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) issued a final rule amending 29 CFR Part 4044 to update the spreads component of the interest assumption 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 quarterly updates to the 4044 yield curve ensure that pension liability calculations align with current private-sector group annuity pricing.

DWC Adjusts California OMFS for Medicare DMEPOS Q2 2026 Changes

The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) posted an order adjusting the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) section of California's Official Medical Fee Schedule to conform to 2026 Medicare payment system changes as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The order adopts Medicare's April 2026 Quarter 2 DMEPOS Fee Schedule update and is effective for services on or after April 1, 2026. Affected parties should refer to the DWC DMEPOS fee schedule web page for the adopting order.

DOL Recovers $85K in Back Wages for 36 Workers After Tip Pool Violation at Coffee Bar

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $85,197 in back wages for 36 employees following an investigation that found Nate's At The Buda Mill & Grain Inc. (operating as Nate's Coffee & Cocktails) in Buda, Texas violated the Fair Labor Standards Act. The investigation by the Wage and Hour Division determined the company's general manager was illegally included in the employee tip pool, which invalidated the employer's tip credit and required payment of full minimum wage to affected workers. The employer failed to make those required minimum wage payments.

BOLI Mediation Program Surpasses $6 Million in Settlements

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries announced that its Mediation Program has surpassed $6 million in settlements between Oregon workers and employers. This milestone reflects the program's expanded model as it moves forward. The announcement highlights the program's growth in resolving workplace disputes through alternative dispute resolution.

Cal/OSHA Advises Employers to Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke During Springs and Crown Fires

Cal/OSHA is urging California employers to protect workers from unhealthy air caused by the Springs and Crown fires, which are generating hazardous smoke affecting air quality in Riverside and Los Angeles counties. Under Cal/OSHA's Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard, employers must monitor the Air Quality Index for PM2.5 and provide respirators to workers when AQI exceeds 150, with mandatory respirator use required when AQI exceeds 500. The advisory also reminds employers that retaliation against workers who refuse to work in unsafe conditions in evacuation zones is illegal in California.

Kansas Reports 3.9% Unemployment, 1.47M Jobs in January 2026

The Kansas Department of Labor released the January 2026 Kansas Labor Report, showing 3.9% unemployment and 1.47 million jobs in the state. The full report is accessible via the department's website. The February 2026 Kansas Labor Report is scheduled for release on Friday, April 17.

Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Down to 4.3 Percent in January

Pennsylvania's unemployment rate declined to 4.3 percent in January 2026, matching the U.S. rate and down one-tenth of a percentage point from December 2025. The civilian labor force increased by 12,000 to 6,583,000, with employment up 17,000 and unemployment down 5,000 from the prior month. Total nonfarm jobs reached a record high of 6,201,900, up 17,900 over the month, with the largest gains in education & health services (up 10,000) and construction (record high).

Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Application for Use of Public Space by Non-DOL Agencies in the Frances Perkins Building

The Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) has published a notice requesting public comments on the proposed extension of OMB Control No. 1225-0087, an existing information collection covering applications for non-DOL agencies to use public space in the Frances Perkins Building in Washington, DC. The notice solicits feedback under the Paperwork Reduction Act on the burden estimates and utility of this permit application process. Comments must be received by June 5, 2026.

Walking-Working Surfaces Fixed Ladder Fall Protection Requirements

OSHA published a proposed rule to remove the compliance deadline for equipping fixed ladders exceeding 24 feet with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems. The agency is also seeking public comment on whether to repeal or revise the personal fall arrest system requirement entirely, potentially allowing continued use of ladder cages or wells. Comments are due by June 5, 2026.

Delay of Silica Exposure Rule Amendments for Miners

MSHA issued a final rule delaying indefinitely the effective date of conforming amendments to 30 CFR parts 56 and 57 from the 2024 Silica Rule. The delay follows an Eighth Circuit Court order staying the 2024 rule's compliance deadlines pending judicial review. Existing standards under 30 CFR 56.5001, 56.5005, 57.5001, and 57.5005 remain in effect until the judicial stay is terminated.

Texas Adds 40,100 Jobs in January, Outpaces National Growth

Texas added 40,100 nonfarm jobs in January 2026, reaching a total of 14,379,500 positions. The state's annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.8 percent outpaced the national growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. Construction led all major industries with 11,800 jobs added in January and the highest annual growth rate at 3.4 percent, while Leisure and Hospitality and Private Education and Health Services each added 10,300 jobs, and Professional and Business Services added 10,200.

Unemployment Insurance IT Modernization Pre-Implementation Planning Checklist

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting public comments on extending the authority to conduct an information collection request (ICR) for the Pre-Implementation Planning Checklist for State Unemployment Insurance Information Technology Modernization Projects. The checklist, originally developed in 2018 and revised in 2020 and 2023, helps State Workforce Agencies validate critical system functions before launching new UI IT systems. Comments are due by June 5, 2026.

HCL America Pays $495000 to Settle Age and National Origin Discrimination Lawsuit

HCL America has agreed to pay $495,000 and provide injunctive relief to resolve a lawsuit filed by the EEOC alleging discrimination on the basis of age and national origin. The settlement was reached through conciliation between the company and the federal agency. Employers in the technology and staffing sectors should review their employment practices to ensure compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws.

Blue Eagle Contracting Sued for Religious Discrimination

The EEOC has filed a lawsuit against Blue Eagle Contracting in federal district court, alleging that the Virginia-based government contractor violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by discriminating against an employee on the basis of religion. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief as well as back pay for the complainant. This enforcement action is part of the EEOC's ongoing effort to address religious discrimination in employment.

Giglio v. Oak Central Recruitment - Terms of Employment Information Act

The WRC Adjudication Officer found that Oak Central Recruitment Services Limited failed to provide Leandro Giglio with an amended statement of terms and conditions of employment following his promotion from general operative to duty manager on July 12th, 2024, in violation of Section 3 of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 as amended. The complainant was also required to attend meetings after his shift ended at 07:00 without additional pay. The decision requires the respondent to provide compliant written terms for the promoted role. The complainant's health situation (strokes in March 2025) affected the hearing timeline.

Health and Safety Penalisation Complaint - Adjudication Decision ADJ-00061617

The Workplace Relations Commission Adjudication Officer Seamus Clinton found that Brindley Healthcare Services Limited (Manor Homecare) unlawfully penalised Ms. Gilciene Neves, a Rapid Respondent Health Care Assistant, for raising health and safety concerns about her shift pattern. The complainant testified that she informed management in May 2025 that her shift was too onerous due to driving and client visits, but received performance criticism and a formal letter requiring improvement within two weeks. The adjudicator determined that Ms. Neves made a protected act under Section 27 of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 and was subsequently subjected to detrimental treatment. The respondent, represented by IBEC, denied any penalisation and claimed operational constraints prevented earlier shift changes. Ms. Neves passed her probation in October 2025.

Interest Assumptions for Valuing Benefits in Single-Employer Plans

PBGC issued a final rule updating interest assumptions used for valuing benefits in terminating single-employer plans covered by ERISA. The rule prescribes spreads component rates for valuation dates from April 30 through July 30, 2026. These actuarial assumptions affect annuity pricing, withdrawal liability calculations, and annual financial reporting requirements for pension plan sponsors.

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 Safety Stand-Down Webinar April 8 for Employers

OSHA and the Wage and Hour Division are co-hosting a free webinar on April 8, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m. EDT to help employers of all industries prepare for the 2026 Safety Stand-Down. The webinar will offer free compliance assistance resources, details on OSHA's Safety Champions Program, and information on WHD's compliance assistance toolkits and expanded PAID program. Registration is required and contact information is provided.

New Jersey 2025 Benchmark Employment Data and January 2026 Estimates Released

The New Jersey Department of Labor released revised 2025 benchmark employment data and preliminary January 2026 estimates. The annual benchmark revision adjusted the previously reported 2025 year-over-year job gain of 9,000 down to 5,100 positions. Preliminary January 2026 estimates show total nonfarm employment increased by 6,000 jobs to 4,386,500, with the unemployment rate declining 0.2 percentage points to 5.2 percent. The state average annual unemployment rate for 2025 was revised upward to 5.2 percent from the prior year rate of 4.6 percent.

DOL Recovers $95K in Overtime Wages for 33 IHOP Cooks in NC and SC

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has recovered $95,095 in back wages for 33 cooks at three IHOP franchise locations that violated the Fair Labor Standards Act's overtime provisions. The employer paid straight time for all hours worked instead of the federally mandated time-and-a-half for hours exceeding 40 per workweek, and maintained falsified payroll records listing those wage payments as bonuses. Affected establishments include Foothills Hospitality LLC in Easley, SC, Sandhill Hospitality LLC in Southern Pines, NC, and Highland Hospitality LLC in Charlotte, NC.

Cintas K15 in Westland Receives MIOSHA MVPP Star Award for Workplace Safety

MIOSHA has awarded Cintas Corporation K15 in Westland, Michigan the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star Award, recognizing the facility for implementing comprehensive safety and health management systems that exceed regulatory requirements. The Westland facility employs 95 workers and provides contamination control garment processing and distribution services supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and electronics industries. Only 29 worksites across Michigan currently hold MVPP Star status, which is MIOSHA's highest workplace safety and health recognition. Cintas Corporation operates over 140 Voluntary Protection Program Star sites nationwide.

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.