UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING JULY 13, 2013

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

          SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending July 13, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 334,000, a decrease of 24,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 358,000. The 4-week moving average was 346,000, a decrease of 5,250 from the previous week's revised average of 351,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent for the week ending July 6, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 6 was 3,114,000, an increase of 91,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,023,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,019,250, an increase of 37,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,982,250.

UNADJUSTED DATA

The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 408,710 in the week ending July 13, an increase of 25,350 from the previous week. There were 455,260 initial claims in the comparable week in 2012.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent during the week ending July 6, an increase of 0.2 percentage point from the prior week's revised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,144,838, an increase of 333,812 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,811,026. A year earlier, the rate was 2.6 percent and the volume was 3,360,067.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending June 29 was 4,519,501, a decrease of 1,903 from the previous week. There were 5,753,820 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2012.

Extended Benefits were not available in any state during the week ending June 29.
Initial claims for UI benefits filed by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,723 in the week ending July 6, a decrease of 622 from the prior week. There were 2,043 initial claims filed by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 274 from the preceding week.

There were 17,813 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending June 29, an increase of 930 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 33,132, a decrease of 594 from the prior week.

States reported 1,636,731 persons claiming Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits for the week ending June 29, a decrease of 24,152 from the prior week. There were 2,524,363 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2012. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending July 6 were in Puerto Rico (4.7), Alaska (3.7), California (3.2), Connecticut (3.2), New Jersey (3.2), New Mexico (3.2), Pennsylvania (3.2), Nevada (2.8), New York (2.7), and Oregon (2.7).

The largest decreases in initial claims for the week ending July 6 were in New Jersey (-4,370), California (-4,265), Texas (-3,133), North Carolina (-2,236), and Washington (-1,253), while the largest increases were in Michigan (+17,700), New York (+15,163), Pennsylvania (+4,831), Kentucky (+4,386), and Ohio (+3,771).

GERMANY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Invoking the Importance of Partnership and Growth

At a dinner honoring German Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Ursula von der Leyen, acting Secretary of Labor Harris emphasized the importance of multinational partnership and economic development. In remarks at the German Ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 13, Harris praised German skills training initiatives and highlighted the department's Community College and Career Training grants, which seek to improve career training programs at U.S. post-secondary schools. Harris also emphasized the importance of collective bargaining in ensuring that workers receive their fair share of growth. "We must continue to invest wisely and effectively in skills development," he said. "But workers must also have more leverage so that our investment in their skills and employability assures them a bigger paycheck, a pension and a better life." Before the dinner Harris and von der Leyen held a bilateral discussion on the upcoming G20 labor and employment ministerial meeting and other issues.

DOL RECESS APPOINTMENT RULING

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Statement by Chairman Pearce on recess appointment ruling
Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit issued a decision finding that the Jan. 4, 2012 recess appointments of three members to the National Labor Relations Board were invalid. In response, Chairman Mark Gaston Pearce issued the following statement:

"The Board respectfully disagrees with today’s decision and believes that the President’s position in the matter will ultimately be upheld. It should be noted that this order applies to only one specific case, Noel Canning, and that similar questions have been been raised in more than a dozen cases pending in other courts of appeals.

In the meantime, the Board has important work to do. The parties who come to us seek and expect careful consideration and resolution of their cases, and for that reason, we will continue to perform our statutory duties and issue decisions."

U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT INITIAL CLAIMS DOWN

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR:

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA



In the week ending January 19, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 330,000, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 335,000. The 4-week moving average was 351,750, a decrease of 8,250 from the previous week's revised average of 360,000.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent for the week ending January 12, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending January 12 was 3,157,000, a decrease of 71,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,228,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,197,500, a decrease of 12,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,209,750.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 436,766 in the week ending January 19, a decrease of 119,944 from the previous week. There were 416,880 initial claims in the comparable week in 2012.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent during the week ending January 12, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,690,615, a decrease of 177,080 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 3.2 percent and the volume was 4,069,651.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending January 5 was 5,659,760, a decrease of 214,076 from the previous week. There were 7,670,108 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2012.

Extended Benefits were not available in any state during the week ending January 5.

Initial claims for UI benefits filed by former Federal civilian employees totaled 2,354 in the week ending January 12, an increase of 578 from the prior week. There were 3,037 initial claims filed by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 659 from the preceding week.

There were 22,166 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending January 5, a decrease of 571 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 40,567, an increase of 1,425 from the prior week.

States reported 1,693,797 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending January 5, a decrease of 365,641 from the prior week. There were 2,922,533 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2012. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending January 5 were in Alaska (6.6), Pennsylvania (4.8), Puerto Rico (4.5), New Jersey (4.4), Oregon (4.3), Wisconsin (4.3), Connecticut (4.2), Michigan (4.2), Montana (4.2), and Rhode Island (4.1).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending January 12 were in Texas (+12,786), California (+10,232), Florida (+7,314), Indiana (+4,266), and New Jersey (+3,570), while the largest decreases were in New

OSHA CITES POST OFFICE FOR HEAT-RELATED DEATH

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Dec. 17, 2012

US Labor Department's OSHA cites US Postal Service
for worker's heat-related death in Independence, Mo.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the U.S. Postal Service Truman Station in Independence, Mo., with a willful violation for failing to protect employees working in excessive heat. OSHA initiated an inspection in July after a mail carrier developed heat-related illness symptoms, collapsed while working his route and was taken to the hospital where he died as a result of his exposure to excessive heat.

"This tragedy underscores the need for employers to take proactive steps to keep workers safe in extreme heat," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "If this employer had trained workers in recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke, and taken precautions to ensure workers had access to water, rest and shade, this unfortunate incident may have been avoided."

The willful violation addresses the hazard of multiple employees who were required to work during periods when excessive heat advisories and warnings were issued by the National Weather Service. The employer did not have procedures in place to address worker concerns during times of excessive heat. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.


Penalties of $70,000 have been proposed. The Postal Service has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Kansas City, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

THE ANTI-CHILD LABOR TOOLKIT

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
US Department of Labor releases toolkit to help businesses combat child and forced labor in global supply chains

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs today introduced Reducing Child Labor and Forced Labor: A Toolkit for Responsible Businesses, the first guide developed by the U.S. government to help businesses combat child labor and forced labor in their global supply chains.

"Encouraging businesses to reduce child and forced labor in their supply chains helps advance fundamental human rights that are at the core of worker dignity, whether here in the U.S. or abroad," Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said in a video message announcing the toolkit.

The free, easy-to-use toolkit was unveiled during an event at Labor Department headquarters for representatives of government, industry, labor and civil society organizations that are at the forefront of efforts to prevent labor abuses in the production of goods. Speakers included Carol Pier, acting deputy undersecretary of ILAB; Eric Biel, acting associate deputy undersecretary of ILAB; and David Abramowitz, vice president of policy and government relations at Humanity United.

The toolkit highlights the need for a social compliance program that integrates a company's policies and practices to ensure that the company addresses child labor and forced labor throughout its supply chain. It provides practical, step-by-step guidance on eight critical elements that will be helpful for companies that do not have a social compliance system in place or those needing to strengthen existing systems. An integrated social compliance system includes: engaging stakeholders and partners, assessing risks and impacts, developing a code of conduct, communicating and training across the supply chain, monitoring compliance, remediating violations, independent review and reporting performance.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SUES ANIMAL HIDE COMPANY FOR VIOLATIONS OF FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

US Labor Department sues Boston Hides & Furs Ltd., seeking at least $1 million in back wages and damages for underpaid, wrongfully fired workers

Chelsea, Mass., business also assessed $100,000 penalty for willful labor violations

BOSTON — Citing "knowing, deliberate and intentional" violations of federal wage and hour law, the U.S. Department of Labor has filed a lawsuit against Boston Hides & Furs Ltd. and company officials seeking at least $500,000 in back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages for underpaid employees of the Chelsea wholesale animal hide business.

The department filed the lawsuit in federal court following an investigation by its Wage and Hour Division that found the employer committed willful and repeated violations of the minimum wage, overtime and record-keeping provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, including offering for shipment or sale "hot goods" produced in violation of the law during a period spanning at least three years. The suit also asserts that the company unlawfully retaliated against several workers by firing them after they cooperated with the federal investigation.

"The violations uncovered by this investigation reveal a disturbing disregard for the law," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Such unacceptable behavior not only harms the workers involved, it also undercuts employers who obey the law."

The investigation found that 14 Boston Hides & Furs employees worked approximately 10 hours per day, six days per week processing hides and furs for shipping to tanneries. These workers were paid a daily cash wage of $50 to $70, which amounted to an hourly pay rate far below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The employees also were not paid time and one-half the required state minimum wage of $8 applicable for those hours worked above 40 in a week. Additionally, the defendants failed to keep adequate records of the workers' employment, work hours and pay rates, and a representative of the defendants falsely told investigators that the company's payroll records included all employees.

Further, the defendants ordered employees to hide in a nearby house when Wage and Hour Division investigators first arrived at Boston Hides & Furs so they could not be interviewed. Investigators subsequently interviewed the workers. Two days later, the defendants fired the workers. During their employment, the workers were threatened and subjected to verbally abusive treatment on an ongoing basis, particularly when they asked about their pay rates.

"If you work, you are entitled to be paid the wages you earn — at a rate no less than the applicable minimum wage, with proper overtime pay — and to seek those wages without fear of retaliation or termination. It's that simple and it's the law," said Michael Felsen, the Labor Department's regional solicitor for New England. "If you're an employer, understand that if you cheat your workers on their pay, the U.S. Department of Labor will seek not only the withheld wages but an equal amount in liquidated damages for those workers. And if you fire your workers or otherwise retaliate against them because they cooperated with a Labor Department investigation, we will seek appropriate redress for that violation too."

In addition to back wages and liquidated damages, the department's suit seeks to permanently prohibit the defendants from future FLSA violations — including a prohibition against shipping any goods handled by workers who were paid in violation of the law — and compensatory and punitive damages for the workers on account of their unlawful firing. The Wage and Hour Division also has assessed $100,000 in civil money penalties against Boston Hides & Furs Ltd. for willful violations of the FLSA.

The suit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts by the Labor Department's Regional Office of the Solicitor in Boston. The original investigation was conducted by the Wage and Hour Division's Boston District Office.

The FLSA requires that covered employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour as well as time and one-half their regular rates for every hour they work beyond 40 per week. When the state minimum wage is higher than the federally mandated wage, and employees work more than 40 hours in a week, employees paid at the minimum permissible level are entitled to overtime compensation based on the higher state minimum wage.

The law also requires employers to maintain accurate records of employees' wages, hours and other conditions of employment, and prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who exercise their rights under the law. The FLSA provides that employers who violate the law are, as a general rule, liable to employees for back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages.

PUTTING AN END TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

The Fight to End Human Trafficking Contineus
November 21st, 2012
Posted by Tracy Russo

Deputy Attorney General James Cole met with Jada Pinkett Smith last week to discuss the department’s extensive efforts to end human trafficking. Ms. Pinkett Smith founded the organization,
Don’t Sell Bodies, to raise awareness about this global epidemic and advocate for victims of trafficking. Ms. Pinkett Smith was joined by former trafficking victims who now work to raise awareness and eliminate human trafficking, including Minh Dang and Withelma "T" Ortiz-Macey, Glamour magazine’s 2011 Woman of the Year.

During the meeting the group discussed remarks made by Deputy Cole before the INTERPOL General Assembly in Italy earlier this month, which largely focused on the department’s myriad of efforts to combat trafficking, including the links between transnational organized crime and human trafficking and the department’s prosecution and training efforts in this area.

Human trafficking cases are prosecuted by several Department of Justice components, including the Civil Rights Division and its specialized Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, the Criminal Division through the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and individual U.S. Attorney’s Offices. These cases are investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, and partners at the Departments of Labor and State.

In recent years we have demonstrated unprecedented success in fighting both labor and sex trafficking. We are bringing a record number of federal cases, while at the same time, more states than ever before have passed their own anti-trafficking laws. The department has increased the number of human trafficking prosecutions by more than 30 percent in forced labor and adult sex trafficking cases, while also increasing the number of convictions in Innocence Lost National Initiative cases by 30 percent.

Working with federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies, we recently secured the longest sentence ever imposed in a forced labor case. In United States v. Botsvynyuk, the lead defendant was sentenced to life in prison plus twenty years, and his co-conspirator was sentenced to twenty years, for their respective roles in an organized human trafficking scheme that held its victims in forced labor on cleaning crews in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Just over a year ago, we initiated a pilot project of multi-agency Anti-Trafficking Coordination Teams (ACTeams) in six judicial districts in the United States. These task forces will prove the value of interagency coordination to address the scourge of human trafficking. In addition to the ACTeams, each U.S. Attorney now participates in some form of anti-trafficking task force.

In addition to our own federal prosecutions, the department’s grant making components are funding state and local law enforcement agencies and victim services organizations to support multidisciplinary, victim-centered task forces dedicated to investigating trafficking crimes and providing culturally-competent assistance to victims.

By taking a multi-disciplinary approach to combating human trafficking and working with our federal, state local and nonprofit partners we can ensure that victims obtain the services that they need and that offenders are prosecuted and sentenced to lengthy jail sentences.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 10, 2012

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending November 10, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 439,000, an increase of 78,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 361,000. The 4-week moving average was 383,750, an increase of 11,750 from the previous week's revised average of 372,000.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending November 3, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's revised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending November 3 was 3,334,000, an increase of 171,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,163,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,254,500, an increase of 17,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,236,750.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 466,348 in the week ending November 10, an increase of 104,548 from the previous week. There were 363,016 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent during the week ending November 3, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's revised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,933,855, an increase of 159,551 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,177,477.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending October 27 was 4,977,808, a decrease of 100,423 from the previous week. There were 6,773,260 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011.

Extended Benefits were only available in New York during the week ending October 27.

Initial claims for UI benefits filed by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,544 in the week ending November 3, a decrease of 415 from the prior week. There were 2,649 initial claims filed by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 7 from the preceding week.

There were 18,400 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending October 27, a decrease of 1 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 38,932, a decrease of 609 from the prior week.

States reported 2,085,605 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending October 27, a decrease of 32,570 from the prior week. There were 2,935,466 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending October 27 were in Alaska (4.5), Puerto Rico (3.9), California (3.0), Oregon (3.0), Pennsylvania (3.0), Virgin Islands (2.9), Arkansas (2.7), Nevada (2.7), New Jersey (2.7), Illinois (2.6), New York (2.6), and North Carolina (2.6).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending November 3 were in Pennsylvania (+7,766), Ohio (+6,450), New Jersey (+5,675), Michigan (+2,373), and Connecticut (+1,783), while the largest decreases were in California (-8,149), New York (-2,241), Florida (-939), Georgia (-913), and Indiana (-603).

U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR HILDA L. SOLIS COMMENTS ON OCTOBER 2012 JOBS NUMBERS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Statement of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis on October employment numbers

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the October 2012 Employment Situation report released today:

"Our nation's labor market added 171,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in October, while the unemployment rate remained essentially unchanged at 7.9 percent. Additionally, our economy added back more than 84,000 jobs in August and September than had been initially reported.

"October's report marks 32 straight months of private sector job growth totaling more than 5.4 million jobs. We've also seen 13 consecutive quarters of private gross domestic product growth. In other words, we've been consistently growing jobs and our economy for several years running.

"Our unemployment rate has dropped by more than two percentage points under President Obama. Unemployment Insurance claims are at a four-year low. Consumer sentiment is at a four-year high. We've added more than a half-million manufacturing jobs over the last 32 months. And we just posted the largest 12-month increase in housing permits since 1983.

"We've transformed a terrible crisis into a stable and durable recovery. To state otherwise is to wage war on the facts. We've erased all of the private sector job losses since the president took office and created an additional 1.2 million new jobs.

"We know what works, and the president has a plan to accelerate our progress by investing in education and job training, and by creating good-paying 21st century jobs in health care, energy, technology and manufacturing. Our recovery depends on building a strong and educated middle class that creates enough demand for the private sector to keep adding new jobs. These efforts are foundational to our success in a 21st century economy."

　



Unemployment Insurance Initial Claims: 363,000 as of October 27, 2012

Unemployment Rate: 7.9% in October 2012

Consumer Price Index: +0.6% in September 2012

Payroll Employment: +171,000(p) in October 2012

Average Hourly Earnings: -$0.01(p) in October 2012

Producer Price Index: +1.1%(p) in September 2012

COMPANY PAYS BACK WAGES IN FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT VIOLATIONS CASE

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Arvada, Colo., manufacturing company pays nearly $40,000 in back wages, liquidated damages following US Labor Department investigation

ARVADA, Colo. — Colorado Precision Machining Inc. has paid a total of $39,082 in back wages and liquidated damages to 10 machinists, following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division that found violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage, overtime and record-keeping provisions.

"The FLSA provides that employers who violate the law are, as a general rule, liable to employees for back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages," said Cynthia Watson, regional administrator for the Wage and Hour Division in the Southwest. "Employees of Colorado Precision Machining worked long hours, without being paid proper minimum wage and overtime compensation. This practice is illegal and unacceptable and, as demonstrated in this case, we are using all tools available, including the assessment of liquidated damages, to ensure that employees receive the compensation to which they are entitled under law."

An investigation conducted by the division's Denver District Office found that the company violated the FLSA by paying employees less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and "straight time" wages, rather than time and one-half their regular rates of pay for hours worked over 40 in a week, as required under the act's overtime provision. Additionally, the company made illegal wage deductions for such items as calipers, micrometers and other hand tools, resulting in wages falling below the federal minimum wage. The employer also failed to maintain accurate records of employees' wages and work hours, in violation of the FLSA's record-keeping requirements.

Colorado Precision Machining manufactures small parts for a variety of medical and dental equipment and internal parts for spray paint machines. The company has agreed to future compliance with the FLSA. Back wages and liquidated damages have been paid in full.

The FLSA requires that covered employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 for all hours worked, plus time and one-half their regular rates, including commissions, bonuses and incentive pay, for hours worked beyond 40 per week. Employers are also required to maintain accurate time and payroll records.

MSHA WARNS OF WINTER HAZARDS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

MSHA warns coal mine operators about winter hazards

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration has launched its annual "Winter Alert" campaign to call attention to the numerous hazards colder weather typically brings to mining operations around the nation. Statistics show that coal mine explosions occur most often during the colder months, October through March.

"We know this season will bring weather that causes changes in the mining environment and can present certain dangers for working miners," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "We also know that there are precautions mine operators can take to alleviate these hazards and prevent accidents."

Low humidity and low barometric pressures, combined with seasonal drying of many areas in underground coal mines, have been major factors in past mine explosions. Colder weather brings other potential hazards, such as limited visibility, icy haulage roads and walkways, and the freezing and thawing of highwalls at surface mines, which can make them unstable.

This winter, MSHA encourages miners and mine operators to understand that "Prevention is the Key to a Safe Workplace" by specifying the actions that can prevent serious accidents. MSHA is asking mine operators to ensure that snow and ice in travelways are removed, apply salt and sand where needed, and frequently examine highwalls for stability.

In underground coal mines, mine operators should make certain that there is adequate ventilation, apply liberal amounts of rock dust, conduct frequent and thorough examinations, and be familiar with emergency procedures that prevent ignitions and explosions.

During regular inspections, MSHA will distribute posters, hardhat stickers and pocket cards with the "Prevention is the Key to a Safe Workplace" theme to miners and mine operators throughout the coal industry.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA


In the week ending October 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 339,000, a decrease of 30,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 369,000. The 4-week moving average was 364,000, a decrease of 11,500 from the previous week's revised average of 375,500.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending September 29, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending September 29 was 3,273,000, a decrease of 15,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,288,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,279,250, a decrease of 7,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,287,000.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 327,063 in the week ending October 6, an increase of 25,990 from the previous week. There were 405,906 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent during the week ending September 29, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,778,396, a decrease of 42,837 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,113,245.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending September 22 was 5,044,649, a decrease of 43,970 from the previous week. There were 6,819,938 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011.

Extended Benefits were only available in New York during the week ending September 22.

Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,545 in the week ending September 29, an increase of 230 from the prior week. There were 2,514 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 4 from the preceding week.

There were 17,283 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending September 22, an increase of 704 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 38,511, a decrease of 18 from the prior week.

States reported 2,106,072 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending September 22, a decrease of 36,977 from the prior week. There were 3,016,035 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending September 22 were in Puerto Rico (3.9), Alaska (3.7), Virgin Islands (3.7), Pennsylvania (3.2), New Jersey (3.1), California (3.1), Connecticut (2.9), Nevada (2.7), and Oregon (2.7).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending September 29 were in New York (+2,764), California (+2,069), North Carolina (+1,217), Pennsylvania (+989), and Arkansas (+538), while the largest decreases were in Mississippi (-3,393), Michigan (-2,639), Florida (-1,972), Ohio (-1,723), and Oregon (-1,135).

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR LAUNCHES VIRTUAL WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY TOOLKIT

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

US Department of Labor launches virtual Workplace Flexibility Toolkit during National Disability Employment Awareness Month

WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of Labor has launched its online Workplace Flexibility Toolkit to provide employees, job seekers, employers, policymakers and researchers with information, resources and a unique approach to workplace flexibility.

Workplace flexibility policies and practices typically focus on when and where work is done. The toolkit adds a new dimension — an emphasis on flexibility around job tasks and what work is done.

Funded by the department's Office of Disability Employment Policy in partnership with the department's Women's Bureau, the toolkit makes more than 170 resources easily accessible, particularly for workers and job seekers with complex employment situations, such as parents of young children, single parents, family caregivers, mature workers, at-risk youth, ex-offenders, and individuals with disabilities, including veterans with disabilities and people with HIV/AIDS.

"Workplace flexibility is a universal strategy that promotes an inclusive workforce and levels the playing field for people with disabilities," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "These resources and unique approach will help all workers with complex employment situations become more productive."

The toolkit, which can be accessed at http://www.dol.gov/odep/workplaceflexibility/, points visitors to case studies, fact and tip sheets, issue briefs, reports, articles, websites with additional information, other related toolkits and a list of frequently asked questions. It is searchable by type of resource, target audience and types of workplace flexibility, including place, time and task. New information will be added to the Workplace Flexibility Toolkit as it is identified.

The launch of the toolkit coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness about disability employment issues as well as to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?" Visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/ to keep track of NDEAM activities.

RACE BASED HIRING CASE SETTLED IN CINCINNATI

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Meyer Tool will pay $325,000 to 60 African-American applicants to settle US Labor Department allegations of racial discrimination at Cincinnati plant

CINCINNATI — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has reached an agreement with federal contractor Meyer Tool Inc. to settle findings of race-based hiring discrimination. Under a consent judgment approved by a Labor Department administrative law judge, Meyer Tool will pay $325,000 in back wages and interest to 60 qualified African-American applicants who were rejected for entry-level machinist positions at the company's manufacturing plant in Cincinnati. Meyer Tool also will extend job offers to at least 11 members of the original class as positions become available.

"Workers should never be denied a fair shot at employment because of factors that have absolutely nothing to do with their ability to do the job," said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. "I am pleased that we were able to reach a fair settlement with Meyer Tool — one that will provide remedies to the affected workers and guarantee that, going forward, qualified applicants of all races and backgrounds will have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field for good jobs."

Based on a compliance review of the facility, OFCCP investigators determined that Meyer Tool had failed to ensure qualified job applicants received equal consideration for employment without regard to race as required by Executive Order 11246. The department filed an administrative complaint on Nov. 19, 2010, alleging systematic discrimination on the part of the company.

Under the terms of the consent judgment, Meyer Tool not only will provide financial remedies and job offers to the affected workers, but also will maintain employment records as required by law, provide equal employment opportunity training to all employees involved in the hiring process and submit detailed progress reports on this front to OFCCP for the next two years.

Cincinnati-based Meyer Tool manufactures engine parts, primarily for the aerospace industry, and is one of the area's largest private companies. During the period of OFCCP's review, Meyer Tool held contracts worth nearly $300,000 to provide engines and engine parts to the U.S. Army.

In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. As amended, these three laws require those who do business with the federal government, both contractors and subcontractors, to follow the fair and reasonable standard that they not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 1, 2012

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending September 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 365,000, a decrease of 12,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 377,000. The 4-week moving average was 371,250, an increase of 250 from the previous week's revised average of 371,000.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending August 25, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending August 25 was 3,322,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,328,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,320,750, a decrease of 3,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,324,250.

UNADJUSTED DATA

The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 307,831 in the week ending September 1, a decrease of 4,280 from the previous week. There were 348,582 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent during the week ending August 25, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,075,994, a decrease of 39,314 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.7 percent and the volume was 3,436,188.The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending August 18 was 5,467,752, a decrease of 63,076 from the previous week. There were 7,167,416 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011 Extended Benefits were not available in any states during the week ending August 18. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,226 in the week ending August 25, a decrease of 67 from the prior week. There were 2,661 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 48 from the preceding week.  There were 17,060 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending August 18, a decrease of 505 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 38,939, a decrease of 1 from the prior week.  States reported 2,263,614 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending August 18, a decrease of 9,703 from the prior week. There were 3,060,622 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.  The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending August 18 were in Puerto Rico (4.2), Pennsylvania (3.7), New Jersey (3.7), Connecticut (3.7), Alaska (3.6), California (3.5), New York (3.1), Rhode Island (3.0), Oregon (3.0), and Massachusetts (2.9).The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending August 25 were in New York (+3,110), North Carolina (+1,237), Georgia (+1,039), Massachusetts (+731), and Ohio (+631), while the largest decreases were in California (-1,757), Pennsylvania (-1,273), Michigan (-1,203), Florida (-844), and South Carolina (-787).

DOL AWARDS OVER $11 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR VETS JOBS TRAINING

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

US Department of Labor awards $11.53 million in grants to provide job training services to 5,500 veterans nationwide

　
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded grants totaling $11.53 million through the Veterans' Workforce Investment Program to provide an estimated 5,500 veterans with job training and skills development services.

"These grants will increase the skill sets of veterans and result in training and credentialing for jobs in high-demand industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Our veterans made sacrifices on behalf of our nation, and I ask all employers to renew their commitment to veterans, because the best way to honor our veterans is to hire them."

Eleven grants were awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations, in 10 states. These agencies are familiar with the areas and populations to be served, and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs.

The funds will be used to provide training in fields including software and computer services, construction, auto mechanics, security, logistics, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, hospitality and the culinary arts, among others.

Today's grants are part of efforts by the department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service to expand educational opportunities for veterans, support incentives for businesses to hire unemployed veterans, ensure priority "Gold Card" services for veterans through the American Job Center network and help veterans match skills related to their military occupations with those required by civilian jobs.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SEEKS TO COMBAT CHILD LABOR IN TANZANIA

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
US Department of Labor announces availability of $10 million competitive solicitation for cooperative agreements to combat child labor in Tanzania
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs has announced a competitive solicitation for one or more cooperative agreements worth up to $10 million to combat child labor in Tanzania's agricultural production and domestic service sectors.
　
Nearly 30 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 14 work in Tanzania, including in agriculture and domestic service. The project(s) funded under this solicitation will be coordinated with the work of local entities and build on existing efforts to reduce the worst forms of child labor in these sectors. Specifically, the project(s) will seek to increase children's access to quality education and vocational/skills training, and promote sustainable livelihoods for households vulnerable to the worst forms of child labor.
　
Eligible applicants should prioritize regions with high numbers of vulnerable children and where existing efforts to reduce child labor are limited. Applicants must respond to the entire scope of work outlined in the solicitation and demonstrate a proven ability to manage complex projects designed to improve the lives of children.
　
All cooperative agreement awards will be made by Dec. 31. The solicitation for grant applications (SGA 12-15) is available online at http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/grants/main.htm and http://www.grants.gov.
　
Congress has appropriated funds for ILAB to support international technical cooperation projects to combat the worst forms of child labor as defined by International Labor Organization Convention 182. ILAB grants address child labor through the provision of educational services for children and livelihood support for their households. ILAB also supports the collection of reliable data on child labor and helps strengthen the capacity of governments to address child labor in a sustainable way.

DOL AWARDS $1,141,783 NATIONAL EMERGENCY GRANT FOR MISSOURI FLOODING

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
US Department of Labor provides grant increment to assist Missouri with continued flood recovery efforts
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,141,783 National Emergency Grant increment to continue cleanup and recovery efforts related to flooding that affected northwestern Missouri between June 1 and Aug. 1, 2011. Awarded to the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, the additional funding will make possible temporary employment for eligible dislocated workers in affected areas.
　
"While much progress has been made, Missouri continues to recover from last summer's flooding," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This funding from the Labor Department will provide additional assistance to these communities, while also creating temporary employment for local workers."
　
On Aug. 12, 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 11 counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. This grant increment will fund recovery efforts that remain unfinished in eight of those counties: Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Holt, Lafayette, Platte, Ray and Saline. More information on designated disaster areas in Missouri is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4012/affected-counties.
　
The initial grant from the Labor Department was awarded Oct. 14, 2011, for up to $2,283,567, with $1,141.784 released immediately. The latest increment completes the grant award. To date, this National Emergency Grant has assisted in the creation of about 141 temporary jobs for cleanup and recovery efforts.
　
National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.

$20 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR HOMELESS VET JOB TRAINING

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
US Labor Department announces more than $20 million in grants to provide job training for more than 11,000 homeless veterans
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded 90 grants totaling more than $20 million to fund job training and support services that will help more than 11,000 veterans succeed in civilian careers. The grants are being awarded through the department’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.
           
“Americans who have served their country should not find themselves without a home,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The grants announced today will help these heroes find good jobs and take us one step closer to the goal of ending veteran homelessness altogether.”

The grants announced today are second- and third-year awards to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations – including faith-based and community organizations – that demonstrated satisfactory performance during the past year. All 90 grants are awarded through the HVRP program, with some of the grants specifically set aside to serve formerly incarcerated veterans, and homeless female veterans and veterans with families. The grant recipients are familiar with the areas and populations they are serving.

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program grants provide occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services. Grantees are expected to maximize available assistance and find good jobs for veterans by coordinating efforts and resources with the U.S. departments of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services, as well as other national, state and local agencies in accordance with the VA’s five-year plan to end homelessness for veterans and their families.

In June, Secretary Solis announced the award of 64 grants through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. Those grants – which are separate from the 90 receiving funds today – are first-year awards totaling more than $15 million and aimed at providing about 8,600 homeless veterans nationwide with job training.

More information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans can be found athttp://www.dol.gov/vets.