Connecticut Labor Dept Joins Multistate Worker Protection Alliance

The Connecticut Department of Labor has joined a multistate alliance focused on worker protection. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration and information sharing among state labor agencies to better enforce labor laws and protect workers across participating states.

State Unemployment Rate Rises, Jobs Decline

The Connecticut Department of Labor announced that the state's unemployment rate increased to 4.2% in December, with a net loss of 1,500 jobs. This report provides updated labor market statistics for the state.

Virginia Clarifies Local Government Union Rules

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) has adopted a new final regulation, 16VAC15-70, clarifying union rules and employee protections for local government entities. This regulation applies existing state statutes on union elections, membership solicitation, and dues collection to local government employers and employees, effective July 30, 2025.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Workplace Mental Health

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry issued a notice for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. The notice highlights the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace, citing increased work-related suicides and providing resources for employers and employees.

Virginia DOLI Launches New Brand Identity and Website

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) has launched a new brand identity and website to enhance public outreach and accessibility. The updated logo and website aim to improve customer experience and better connect the agency's various programs.

Virginia Low-Wage Employee Definition Updated for 2026

The Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement has updated the definition of a "low-wage employee" for non-compete agreements, effective January 1, 2026. The average weekly wage threshold has been set at less than $1,507.01. The notice also clarifies that employees entitled to overtime under FLSA are considered low-wage employees regardless of their average weekly earnings.

Virginia DOLI Appoints James S. Frederick as Commissioner

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) announced the appointment of James S. Frederick as its new Commissioner. Frederick brings over 35 years of experience in occupational safety and health, previously serving at the U.S. Department of Labor.

NY DOL Releases December 2025 Area Unemployment Rates

The New York State Department of Labor has released the preliminary unemployment rates for December 2025. This notice provides updated labor market data for the state.

Blasters Board of Examiners Meeting Announcement

The New York State Department of Labor has issued a media advisory for an upcoming meeting of the Blasters Board of Examiners on February 11, 2026. The Board will review applications for Blaster licenses and may make recommendations to the Commissioner. The meeting is open to the public.

September 11th Worker Protection Task Force Meeting

The New York State Department of Labor announced a meeting of the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force. The task force will discuss long-term health, disability, and compensation needs for 9/11 rescue and recovery workers. The meeting is open to the public and will be held on February 18, 2026.

NYSDOL Apprenticeship and Training Council Meeting Notice

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) announced an upcoming Apprenticeship and Training Council meeting. The meeting will be held on February 24, 2026, in Albany and will be open to the public in person and via livestream. Pre-registration is requested for in-person attendees.

Apprenticeship and Training Council Meeting Announcement

The New York State Department of Labor announced an upcoming public meeting of the Apprenticeship and Training Council. The meeting will be held in Albany and New York City on February 24, 2026, and will be open to the public in person and via livestream.

TWC Seeks Members for Purchasing from People with Disabilities Program Committee

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for its Advisory Committee for the Purchasing from People with Disabilities Program. The committee advises TWC on program matters and meets at least twice annually. Applications are being accepted until the vacancies are filled.

Texas Labor Market and Job Growth Update - December 2025

Texas added 19,700 nonfarm jobs in December 2025, bringing the annual total to 132,500 jobs. The state's unemployment rate was 4.3 percent, and the civilian labor force reached a record high. The report highlights growth across various industries, particularly Trade, Transportation, and Utilities.

Texas Workforce Commission Recognizes Career and Technical Education Month

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February 2026. The TWC is highlighting the value of CTE programs and students preparing for technical careers, supported by initiatives like the Dual Credit and Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant programs.

Texas Job Training Grant for Tekscend Photomask

Governor Abbott and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced a Skills Development Fund grant of over $163,000 to Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area. This grant will fund customized training for 66 new and current workers at Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. for high-demand occupations in machinery manufacturing.

Texas Workforce Commission Launches Child Care Business Support Initiative

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has launched a new initiative to provide business coaching and training to child care providers across Texas. This program aims to help licensed or registered child care programs improve operations, financial management, and staff supervision.

Illinois Labor Opposes Federal Minimum Wage Rollback for Home Health Workers

The Illinois Department of Labor has formally opposed a proposed federal rule by the U.S. Department of Labor that would roll back minimum wage and overtime protections for home health care workers. Illinois argues this action would undermine worker protections and create national inconsistencies.

Illinois Labor Department Recovers $2.7M in Wages and Enforces Worker Protections

The Illinois Department of Labor recovered approximately $2.7 million in unpaid wages and enforced various worker protection laws in 2025. Key actions included settlements with GrapeTree Medical Staffing and solar companies, enforcement of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, and ensuring compliance with minimum wage and prevailing wage laws.

Illinois VESSA Amendment Protects Workers Documenting Violence on Work Devices

The Illinois Department of Labor has issued a reminder about Public Act 104-0171, an amendment to the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA). This new law protects employees who use employer-provided devices to document violence affecting themselves or their families, prohibiting employer discipline or retaliation for such use. The amendment took effect on January 1, 2026.

IDOL Files Wage Theft Complaint Against Chicago Restaurant

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has filed a wage theft complaint against That’s Gino and Marty’s restaurant and its owners in Cook County Circuit Court. The complaint alleges violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act and the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, seeking over $20,000 in unpaid wages for at least nine employees.

Freeport Public Works Achieves SHARP Safety Designation

The Illinois Department of Labor announced the City of Freeport Public Works Department has achieved Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status. This designation recognizes employers with exemplary injury and illness prevention programs and exempts them from programmed OSHA inspections.

Florida Awards $167.5M for Rural Infrastructure Improvements

Governor Ron DeSantis announced $167.5 million in awards to improve infrastructure in 34 Florida rural communities. The funding, from the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery and Rural Infrastructure Fund, will support recovery from 2023-2024 storms and enhance long-term resilience.

Florida Expands Partnership with Germany

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to expand cooperation between Florida and Germany. The agreement focuses on key sectors including innovative technologies, aerospace, manufacturing, life sciences, and workforce training, building on existing trade relationships.

FloridaCommerce, SelectFlorida, FIBA Host Pitch Day for Israeli Tech Companies

FloridaCommerce, SelectFlorida, and the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator hosted a pitch day showcasing seven Israeli technology companies to Florida policymakers and investors. This event aims to foster collaboration and drive innovation, building on a partnership that has supported over 130 startups to date.

Florida Awards Over $8M for Infrastructure and Workforce Training

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis awarded over $8 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to Palm Beach State College, Melbourne Orlando International Airport, and Broward College. These funds will support infrastructure investments and expand workforce training programs in high-demand industries across the state.

FloridaCommerce Launches Opportunity Zone 2.0 Tour

FloridaCommerce has launched the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Tour to encourage communities to submit recommendations for the next designation cycle. The initiative aims to help rural and low-income communities attract private investment and economic growth.

Colorado Workforce Development Council Welcomes New Members and Chair

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment announced eight new appointments and three reappointments to the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC). Jonathan Liebert was welcomed as the new chair. The CWDC advises and oversees the state's talent development network.

Colorado Employment Situation - November 2025

Colorado's nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 2,700 in November 2025, bringing the total to 3,000,300. The unemployment rate decreased to 3.9 percent. The report also noted a year-over-year job increase of 24,600 and higher average hourly earnings compared to the national average.

Colorado Employment Situation - December 2025

Colorado's nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 1,200 in December 2025, bringing the total to 3,000,100. The unemployment rate decreased to 3.8%. The report also noted a year-over-year job increase of 23,000.

Colorado Just Transition Program Supports Coal Community Entrepreneurs

The Colorado Office of Just Transition (OJT) has partnered with Startup Colorado to launch a Business Startup and Expansion Assistance Program. This initiative aims to support entrepreneurs, particularly former coal industry workers, in coal transition communities by offering resources, mentorship, and potential funding.

Colorado Partners to Expand Quantum Careers and Hiring Support

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and Elevate Quantum have partnered to expand access to quantum-related careers and enhance hiring support for quantum industry employers in Colorado. This initiative will leverage the Connecting Colorado system for skills-based job matching and talent connection.

Atlantic Richfield Company v. NL Industries, Inc. - Third-Party Complaint Granted

The District Court of Colorado granted defendants NL Industries, Inc. and NL Environmental Management Services leave to file a third-party complaint in the case Atlantic Richfield Company v. NL Industries, Inc. The underlying suit concerns environmental cleanup costs at a former mining site in Rico, Colorado.

Khalfan Khamis Mohamed v. United States of America - Motion to Compel Ruling

The District Court for the District of Colorado granted in part and denied in part a motion to compel filed by the plaintiff in Khalfan Khamis Mohamed v. United States of America. The ruling addresses discovery disputes related to video footage of an alleged incident.

Colorado Federal Court Enters $2.5 Million Consent Judgment

The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado entered a consent judgment for $2.5 million against Ricki Wells and Rise Development LLC. This action resolves a dispute over revenues from residential property development.

Lucas Cranor v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company - Insurance Contract Dispute

The District Court of Colorado issued an order on a motion for summary judgment in the case of Lucas Cranor v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. The dispute centers on claims for bad faith breach of an insurance contract and unreasonable delay of benefits following an automobile accident.

FAA Proposes Class E Airspace Change for Nenana Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a modification to Class E airspace for Nenana Municipal Airport in Nenana, Alaska. This proposed rule is open for public comment until April 13, 2026.

Washington State Fines Roofing Companies $1.4 Million for Fall Violations

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has issued $1.4 million in fines to five construction companies for serious fall protection violations over the last four months. Falls from heights remain the most cited serious workplace safety violation in the state.

Bus Driver Charged with Workers' Comp Fraud

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced that a Renton bus driver faces a felony theft charge for allegedly collecting over $50,000 in workers' compensation benefits while working other jobs. The charges were filed by the Washington State Attorney General's Office.

Seattle Company Fined for Asbestos Safety Violations

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has fined Seattle Environmental Services LLC over $200,000 for knowingly exposing workers to asbestos and misleading investigators. The company ignored numerous safety rules during an asbestos removal project, putting workers at serious risk.

Massachusetts AG's Labor Day Report Highlights Worker Protections

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released the annual Labor Day Report for Fiscal Year 2025, detailing efforts to protect workers' rights. The report highlights over 1,500 enforcement actions against employers, resulting in the assessment of more than $196.6 million in unpaid wages and penalties for over 137,890 workers.

AG Campbell Cites Construction Company $744,224 for Workers' Rights Violations

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has issued citations totaling over $744,000 against Franca Service, Inc. and its president for violating state wage and hour laws. The citations include restitution for 101 workers and civil penalties for issues such as failure to pay overtime and misclassification of employees.

AG Campbell Secures $865,000 Settlement for Worker Misclassification

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced a $865,000 settlement with online supermarket Weee! for misclassifying over 160 delivery drivers as independent contractors and violating earned sick time laws. Weee! has agreed to reclassify drivers as employees and comply with state labor laws.

AG cites owner over $1M for worker payment failures

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has issued a citation against William J. Segal, owner of Alpha Healthcare LLC, for over $1 million in penalties and restitution due to failure to make timely wage payments to nearly 500 employees. The citation covers unpaid wages for work performed between September 15, 2024, and September 28, 2024.

State AG Secures $583,000 from Security Company for Wage and Sick Time Violations

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office secured over $583,000 from Northeast Security, Inc. (NSI) to resolve allegations of violating state wage and earned sick time laws. The settlement includes restitution for over 3,000 workers and state penalties.

Prepaid Card Report on Workers' Compensation Payments

The California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC) has released a final report examining the use of prepaid card programs for workers' compensation indemnity payments. The report considers recommendations for the continuation of such programs.

CHSWC Releases 2025 WOSHTEP Advisory Board Annual Report

The California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC) has released the 2025 Worker Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education Program (WOSHTEP) Advisory Board Annual Report. The report evaluates the use and impact of programs aimed at reducing job-related injuries and illnesses among California workers.

California Teens Learn Workplace Safety and Rights at Leadership Academy

The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency highlighted the 22nd annual Young Worker Leadership Academy, which educated teens on workplace safety and their rights. The event aimed to prepare young workers to recognize hazards and advocate for fair treatment, reflecting the state's commitment to informed workforce entry.

DWC Updates Official Medical Fee Schedule

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has updated the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) for Physician and Non-Physician Practitioner Services. The update incorporates new Medi-Cal rates and corrects existing sections, and is effective for services rendered on or after March 1, 2026.

Cal/OSHA Fines Company $212,850 for Amputation Accident

Cal/OSHA has issued penalties totaling $212,850 to All FAB Precision Sheetmetal, Inc., following an investigation into a workplace amputation accident. The company was cited for multiple violations, including willful and repeat serious accident-related violations related to machine guarding.