June 7, 2020

ICYMI: U.S. Department of Labor Acts to Help American Workers and Employers During the Coronavirus Pandemic

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor took a range of actions to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.

Reopening America's Economy:

• Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia on the May Jobs Report – "[The Employment Situation Summary] report shows much higher job creation and lower unemployment than expected, reflecting that the re-opening of the economy in May was earlier, and more robust, than projected. Millions of Americans are still out of work, and the Department remains focused on bringing Americans safely back to work and helping States deliver unemployment benefits to those who need them. However, it appears the worst of the coronavirus's impact on the nation's job markets is behind us."

• U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia Highlights Economic Reopening During Visit to North Carolina – "It was great to visit North Carolina [Monday] to hear from those who have been working through this pandemic as well as those who are excited to get back to work," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. "I'm encouraged by the careful steps being taken by so many businesses to protect workers and customers as the economy begins to reopen."

Keeping America's Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA and CDC Issue Guidance to Help Agriculture Workers during the Coronavirus Pandemic – OSHA issued guidance that includes recommended actions to protect agriculture workers from exposure to the coronavirus. Prevention and control of coronavirus at agricultural worksites, and in shared worker housing and shared transport vehicles, can present unique challenges. Applying specific disease management and prevention measures can help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus among workers on farms, ranches, and other production worksites.

• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Alert to Keep Stockroom And Loading Dock Workers Safe During Coronavirus Pandemic – OSHA has issued an alert listing safety tips employers can follow to protect stockroom and loading dock workers in the retail industry from exposure to the coronavirus.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Labor is focused on protecting the safety and health of American workers, assisting our state partners as they deliver traditional unemployment and expanded unemployment benefits under the CARES Act, ensuring Americans know their rights to new paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave, providing guidance and assistance to employers, and carrying out the mission of the Department.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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Media Contact:

Emily Weeks, 202-693-4681, weeks.emily.c@dol.gov

Release Number: 20-1200-NAT

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