DOL Newsletter
The U.S. economy exceeded expectations with 312,000 jobs added in December and an additional 58,000 in upward revisions from October and November – bringing the total to 5 million jobs added since the 2016 election. Significant job gains were widespread, including in the construction, manufacturing, retail trade, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality sectors. |
Average hourly earnings increased by 3.2 percent over the last 12 months, matching the largest increase since April 2009. This was the third straight month that year-over-year wage gains exceeded 3 percent. |
December's jobs report closes out a very strong 2018: 2.6 million new jobs, rising average hourly earnings, and eight months of unemployment below 4.0 percent. |
In Case You Missed It |
The Wage and Hour Division issued two new opinion letters addressing compliance issues under the Fair Labor Standards Act. |
Three New York City hotel operators must pay $721,086 in back wages and damages to resolve overtime and recordkeeping violations. |
OSHA has formed a new alliance to raise awareness of the value of workplace safety and health programs for New Jersey businesses. |
A federal court has ordered a Pennsylvania printing and bindery company to pay $274,183 in back wages and an equal amount in damages to 556 current and former workers. |
OSHA cited a Nebraska dairy company for multiple safety violations after a worker suffered fatal injuries while attempting to remove corn from a grain bin. |
The Department awarded more than $50 million in grants to strengthen labor law enforcement and combat child labor and modern slavery among trade partners. |
Stat of the Week |
For the first time ever, there are more than 150 million jobs in the United States. |
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