DOL News Releases

SCA General Contracting Ordered to Pay $468,505 in Back Wages to 137 Workers for FLSA Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor obtained a consent judgment requiring SCA General Contracting Inc. to pay $468,505 in back wages and damages to 137 construction workers. The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California approved the judgment on Dec. 17, 2025, following a Wage and Hour Division investigation that found willful violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act including failure to pay minimum wage and overtime.

Oregon Korean BBQ Fined $96,985 for Child Labor, Overtime, Tip Pool Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division investigated Kkoki Korean BBQ in Eugene, Oregon, finding violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The employer allowed a 15-year-old employee to work beyond permitted hours on school days, past 9 p.m. during summer, and more than 40 hours weekly. The employer also failed to pay overtime for hours exceeding 40 per week and improperly permitted a manager to participate in the employee tip pool. The employer must pay $58,569 in back wages to 32 workers and $38,416 in civil money penalties for repeated and willful violations.

National Workers Memorial Ceremonies and Vigil, April 23

The Department of Labor announces national Workers Memorial ceremonies on April 23, 2026, including a ceremony at DOL headquarters beginning at 1 p.m. EDT, a wreath laying ceremony at Veterans Plaza, and a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Events throughout the week of April 20-24 include safety and health trainings, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits to raise awareness and educate employers and workers about preventing workplace tragedies.

OSHA Partners with Mascaro Construction for Worker Safety During Heinz History Center Expansion

OSHA's Pittsburgh Area Office announced a strategic partnership with Mascaro Construction Co. to promote worker safety during the 92,000-square-foot expansion of the Heinz History Center. The partnership aims to prevent work-related injuries, eliminate workplace hazards, and establish safety and health management systems for contractors and subcontractors. Construction on the expansion is estimated to conclude by May 2028.

DOL Finds Hillcrest Medical Center Violated PUMP Act, Limited Nursing Breaks

The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found that Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa violated the PUMP Act by limiting nursing workers' break times for expressing milk to specified times only when staffing was sufficient. The employer restricted breaks that should be available as needed for one year after childbirth. The facility has since updated its policies and practices to comply with federal law. Healthcare employers should review their nursing mother accommodation policies to ensure compliance.

OSHA Updates National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat Hazards

OSHA has updated its National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards, originally issued in April 2022. The revised program uses OSHA and Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2022-2025 to direct inspection priorities to 55 high-risk industries in indoor and outdoor work settings. The update removes outdated background information, eliminates the former numerical inspection goal, and introduces reorganized appendices for evaluating heat programs and citation guidance.

DOL Recovers $77,523 for 12 Austin Workers Denied Overtime

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $77,523 in back wages for 12 workers employed by Grand Buffet Paradise LLC, operating as Buffet Palace in Austin, TX. The investigation found the employer paid kitchen staff straight salaries without providing required half-time overtime premiums for hours worked over 40 per workweek, violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

DOL Recovers $122,476 for 140 Mississippi HVAC Workers

The US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $122,476 in back wages for 140 workers employed by AirSouth LLC, a Mendenhall-based cooling, heating, and electrical contractor. An investigation found the employer violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to include non-discretionary bonuses when calculating overtime wages and by not issuing final paychecks to two departing employees.

South Dakota Contractor Sued for Firing Injury-Reporting Whistleblower

The U.S. Department of Labor 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. OSHA found the companies violated 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 a pressurized pipe incident. The department seeks reinstatement, back wages, and $100,000 in punitive damages.

Tip Pool Violation - Back Wage Recovery for Tipped Employees

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $85,197 in back wages for 36 employees after finding that Nate's At The Buda Mill & Grain Inc. (operating as Nate's Coffee & Cocktails) violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by allowing a general manager to participate in an employee tip pool. The violation invalidated the employer's tip credit, requiring payment of full minimum wage to affected workers.

OSHA and Wage and Hour Division Host Safety Stand-Down Webinar

OSHA announced an April 8 webinar to help employers prepare for the 2026 Safety Stand-Down, part of the 20th annual Georgia Struck-by Alliance's Safety Stand-Down. The agency will provide free compliance resources, consultation services information, and details about its Safety Champions Program.

Restaurant Franchise Overtime Violations - IHOP Franchises in NC and SC

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $95,095 in back wages for 33 cooks at three IHOP franchise locations in North and South Carolina. The investigation found Foothills Hospitality LLC, Sandhill Hospitality LLC, and Highland Hospitality LLC violated overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act by paying straight time instead of time-and-a-half for hours exceeding 40 per week. The employers also falsified payroll records by listing overtime wages as bonuses.

Construction Contractor Cited 7 Willful, 33 Repeat Violations After Fatal Cave-in

OSHA cited Revoli Construction Co. Inc. with $4.6M in proposed penalties after a fatal November 2025 trench collapse in Yarmouth, Massachusetts that killed one worker and seriously injured another. The agency issued 7 willful, 33 repeat, and 17 serious violations for failing to provide safe exits, adequate cave-in protection, proper shoring systems, and maintaining unsafe spoil piles. The employer has 15 business days to comply, request a conference, or contest the findings.

USMCA Labor Dispute Win Over Rights Denial at Mexican Mine

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a victory in a USMCA labor dispute concerning the Camino Rojo Mine in Mexico. The panel found that the mine denied workers' labor rights through intimidation and violence, impacting critical mineral supply chains. This marks the second panel win under the USMCA's Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.

OSHA Cites Georgia Stone Firms for Silica, Noise Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited two Georgia stone product manufacturers, Stone Atlanta Countertops Inc. and GT Stone Granite LLC, for exposing workers to respirable crystalline silica and noise. OSHA proposed a total of $116,306 in penalties for repeat and serious violations, including failures in respiratory protection and exposure control plans.

Labor Department Cites Wisconsin Manufacturer for Safety Violations After Explosion

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited SV Labs Prescott Corp. for repeat and serious safety violations following an explosion and fire. The agency proposed $275,694 in penalties for issues including inadequate new hire safety training, respiratory protection, and hazard communication.

OSHA Cares Initiative Strengthens Customer Service and Compliance Assistance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched the OSHA Cares initiative to enhance customer service and expand compliance assistance for businesses. This agency-wide effort aims to support employers in meeting safety requirements and fostering collaborative safety programs, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized businesses.

DOL Seminar on Agricultural Worker Laws, Wages, and Safety

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division will host an educational seminar for agricultural industry stakeholders on March 24, 2026. The seminar will cover federal laws including the H-2A program, FLSA, and MSPA, with participation from OSHA and DOJ.

DOL Launches Data Visualization Tool for Union Spending

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards has launched a new data visualization tool for union reporting forms (LM-2). This tool aims to provide union members with clearer insights into how their dues are spent, enhancing transparency in union finances.

USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism Resolution at ThyssenKrupp

The United States announced the resolution of a USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism matter at a ThyssenKrupp facility in Mexico. The facility reinstated workers, issued backpay, and adopted new labor protocols. Consequently, the US has resumed liquidation of tariffs on goods from the facility.

OSHA Safety Champions Program Launched

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has launched the new Safety Champions Program to help employers develop and implement effective workplace safety and health programs. This voluntary initiative offers a tiered structure to guide businesses in improving their safety practices.

OSHA Cites Alpha Baking Co. for Repeat, Serious Safety Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Alpha Baking Co. Inc. for repeat and serious safety violations following an employee injury. The bakery faces proposed penalties totaling $326,276 for hazards including unguarded machines and inadequate lockout/tagout training.

OSHA Cites Contractor After Fatal Electrocution and Worker Injuries

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Primoris Services Corp. for three serious violations following a fatal electrocution and two injuries at a Florida worksite. OSHA has proposed $49,650 in penalties.

Labor Recovers $1.08M for Workers Denied Minimum Wage and Overtime

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has recovered $1.08 million in back wages and damages for 24 warehouse workers. The settlement with Expresso Forwarding Inc. resolves violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, including failure to pay minimum wage and overtime.

Labor Department Issues Apprenticeship Guidance

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has issued new guidance to streamline the Registered Apprenticeship system, reduce burdens for program sponsors, and improve transparency. The guidance aims to accelerate growth and clarify program design, roles, and completion rates, with a commitment to 30-day registration determinations.

Labor Dept Recovers $293K Back Wages for Construction Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $293,698 in back wages for 56 construction workers from Speedy's Framing LLC for overtime violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The company also paid a $24,795 civil penalty.

OSHA Cites Contractor $60,242 Penalties After Worker Death

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc. for 12 serious violations following a worker's fatal exposure to toxic chemicals. The agency proposed $60,242 in penalties.

OSHA Cites Florida Contractor for Struck-By Hazards After Fatality

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Hyvac Inc., a Florida contractor, for exposing workers to struck-by hazards following a fatal incident in August 2025. The agency proposed $28,135 in penalties for two serious violations related to pressurized piping systems.

DOL Cites Adonel Concrete for 9 Violations After Fatal Injury

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Adonel Concrete Corp. with nine serious violations following a fatal workplace injury. The company faces $58,604 in proposed penalties for inadequate machine guarding and other safety failures.

Labor proposes rule clarifying employee, contractor status

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to clarify the distinction between employees and independent contractors under federal wage and hour laws. This proposal would rescind the 2024 final rule and revert to an analysis similar to the one used in 2021, aiming to simplify compliance for employers and ensure worker protections.

US Department of Labor Recovers $409K Back Wages from Little Caesars Operator

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has recovered $409,457 in back wages from MG Fast Food Inc., an operator of a Little Caesars restaurant. The settlement resolves violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act concerning minimum wage and overtime pay for 32 workers.

US DOL: Restaurant Violated Child Labor and Overtime Laws

The US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found Mt. Fuji Hibachi Inc. violated child labor laws by allowing a minor to perform hazardous tasks and work excessive hours. The investigation also revealed the employer denied overtime pay to 19 workers, resulting in $20,213 in back wages. The company paid a $22,249 civil penalty.

OSHA Cites Grain Silo Operator for Safety Violations After Worker Injury

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Alliance Grain Co. for safety violations following a worker injury. The agency proposed $276,407 in penalties for alleged failures in machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and grain bin entry safety.

OSHA Cites 3 Companies After 6 Worker Deaths from Gas Exposure

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Prospect Ranch LLC, Fiske Inc., and HD Builders for serious violations following the deaths of six workers due to hazardous gas exposure at a Colorado dairy farm. The companies face proposed penalties totaling over $246,000.

US Department of Labor Probes California UI Program for Fraud

The U.S. Department of Labor announced it will probe California's Unemployment Insurance program due to concerns over fraud and improper payments. A specialized strike team will investigate potential fraud and abuse, aiming to restore the program's integrity and financial health.

OSHA Cites US Steel and MPW for Safety Violations After Explosion

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited United States Steel Corp. and MPW Industrial Services Inc. following an investigation into an August 2025 explosion that killed two workers and injured 12. OSHA proposed penalties totaling $179,687 for serious safety violations related to explosion and hazardous energy control hazards.

Labor Department Cites Contractor for 16 Serious Violations After Fatalities

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Construction Labor Services Inc. for 16 serious violations following a worksite incident that resulted in two worker fatalities due to exposure to sewage gas. The agency has proposed penalties totaling $257,707.

Labor Recovers Back Wages and Penalties from Denver Restaurant

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $61,568 in back wages for 11 Denver restaurant workers after an investigation found Tommy's Oriental Food Inc. unlawfully kept employee tips. The employer also paid a $990 civil penalty for Fair Labor Standards Act violations.

Labor Department Orders Texas Companies to Pay $200K+ for Asbestos Whistleblower Retaliation

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has ordered two Texas construction companies to pay over $200,000 in back wages and damages to two workers fired for raising asbestos concerns. The companies must also reinstate the employees.

OSHA Cites Horizon Biofuels for Safety Violations After Fatal Explosion

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Horizon Biofuels Inc. for willful and serious safety violations following a fatal explosion at their Fremont, NE facility. The company faces proposed penalties of $147,542 for issues including combustible dust, ignition source protection, and lack of fall protection.

NY Contractor Settles $600k Penalty for Safety Violations

A New York roofing contractor, DME Construction Associates Inc., has settled with the U.S. Department of Labor for $600,000 following a fatal fall in 2021. The settlement resolves willful safety violations, including failure to provide fall protection, and requires enhanced safety measures.

Labor Department Launches Compliance Assistance Tools

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has launched new compliance assistance tools, including a webpage, video series, and industry toolkits. These resources aim to help employers understand federal labor laws and promote proactive compliance.

OSHA Cites Construction Firm for Trench Safety Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited CB&A Construction LLC for willful trench safety violations following an investigation into a trench collapse. The agency proposed $170,145 in penalties.

DOL Guidance on Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Security Deposits

The U.S. Department of Labor has published new guidance to provide enhanced and transparent criteria for calculating securitization requirements for insurers writing policies under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. This guidance aims to lower costs for vital industries while ensuring worker safety.