December 21, 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:

• U.S. Labor Secretary Scalia's Remarks on Unemployment Insurance Reform at American Enterprise Institute Event – Secretary Scalia discussed unemployment insurance reform including its effects on the coronavirus pandemic during a virtual event with the American Enterprise Institute.

Keeping America's Workplaces Safe and Healthy:

• U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA Announces $3,646,228 In Coronavirus Violations – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Dec. 10, 2020, OSHA has issued citations arising from 273 inspections for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $3,646,228.

• OSHA Remains Focused on Keeping Workers Safe in 2020 – This year, OSHA used its authority through a combination of traditional practices and unique approaches to assure safe and healthful working conditions for America's workers.

Defending Workers' Rights to Paid Leave and Wages Earned:

• Oregon Agricultural Operators Pay Back Wages After Denying Paid Sick Leave to Workers Ordered to Quarantine for Coronavirus – After an investigation by the Wage and Hour Division, three Oregon agricultural operators will pay a collective $11,418 in back wages after wrongly denying paid sick leave to employees whose healthcare providers advised them to self-quarantine following potential coronavirus exposures.

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, 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:

Eric Holland, 202-693-4676, holland.eric.w@dol.gov

Release Number: 20-2314-NAT

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