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Dyno Battery Fined $224,320 for Lead Violations

Dyno Battery Fined $224,320 for Lead Violations

USERRA Veterans Preference Information Collection OMB Review Comment Request

The Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) has submitted an information collection request under the Paperwork Reduction Act for OMB review regarding USERRA and Veterans' Preference eligibility complaints. The collection instrument determines initial eligibility of veteran claimants seeking reemployment rights and documents alleged employer violations. Public comments are invited through May 11, 2026.

Black Lung Benefits Act Survivor's Form Extension Proposed

The Department of Labor is soliciting public comments on extending OMB Control No. 1240-0027 for the Survivor's Form for Benefits Under the Black Lung Benefits Act. The form allows survivors of deceased coal miners to apply for black lung disability benefits. Comments must be received by June 9, 2026.

DOL Proposes Extending Black Lung Fee Form Without Change Through 2029

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs is seeking public comments on extending OMB Control No. 1240-0011 for the Application for Approval of Representative's Fee in Black Lung Claim Proceedings. The proposed extension would maintain the current CM-972 form without changes through the new approval period. Comments must be submitted by June 9, 2026, via Regulations.gov or mail.

California Invests $18.6M to Train 55,000 Apprentices in Building and Construction Trades

California's Department of Industrial Relations and Division of Apprenticeship Standards announced $18.6 million in grants from the California Apprenticeship Council Training Fund to support 160 state-registered apprenticeship programs in building and construction trades. The funding will provide training for more than 55,000 apprentices across trades including electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, ironworkers, and roofers, with median wages exceeding $70,000 annually.

Michigan Declares April 2026 Autism Acceptance Month, Highlights Employment Resources

Michigan Governor Whitmer and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month, highlighting resources from LEO, MDE, MDHHS, and Autism Alliance of Michigan. The announcement emphasizes vocational rehabilitation services through Michigan Rehabilitation Services to support employment opportunities for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

UIA Reminder: Download 1099-G Statement of Unemployment Benefits for Taxes

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency reminds workers who received unemployment benefits in 2025 to download their 1099-G tax statements from their MIWAM account for state and federal tax filing. The 1099-G form shows total benefits paid and tax withholdings, and workers should verify the information is accurate before filing.

Tukwila Battery Manufacturer Fined $224k for Lead Exposure

Washington L&I fined Dyno Battery Inc. $224,320 for 16 violations after follow-up inspections found the company failed to fix lead exposure hazards first identified in July. Inspectors documented lead dust buildup in air cleaning devices that were blowing toxic dust onto workers, and found lead contamination on lunchroom tables. L&I issued a stop-work order on October 8 when violations remained unfixed, only lifting it in February after all hazards were corrected. The company is appealing the fine.

DC Unemployment Rate 6.7%, Jobs Decrease 17,100 in January 2026

The DC Department of Employment Services reported the January 2026 seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 6.7%, unchanged from December 2025. Total jobs decreased by 17,100 to 712,100, with the private sector losing 11,600 jobs and the public sector losing 5,500 jobs. The civilian labor force declined by 1,100 to 408,000.

Arkansas Minimum Wage Act Proposed Rule Revisions 2025

Arkansas DOL proposes amendments to Minimum Wage Act rules consistent with Acts 397, 737, and 743 of 2025. The proposed rules replace the existing 20-factor test for independent contractor classification with the federal standard under 11 CAR § 11-602(b)(4) and incorporate wage investigation reforms including assessment period procedures and remedies for violations.