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The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking public comments on continuing the use of the "Claim for Medical Reimbursement Form." This effort aims to reduce paperwork and the burden placed on respondents, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The form, also known as OWCP-915, is used for claiming reimbursement for medical expenses, and the DOL wants feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and effectiveness of this information collection. Comments are accepted until April 12, 2021, and interested individuals are encouraged to submit their opinions to the DOL's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.

The Department of Labor has issued an exemption allowing the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's pension plan to use a captive insurance subsidiary to reinsure pension risks. This exemption enables an increase in pension benefits for participants, provided certain conditions are met. The exemption aims to balance cost savings for the center with additional financial benefits for the plan's participants and beneficiaries. The arrangement includes strict oversight and compliance measures to ensure the participants’ benefits are secure.

The Department of Labor (DOL) has submitted an information collection request related to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. This request, supported by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), seeks to collect data on performance reports required by State, local boards, and education and training providers as mandated by the Act. The public has until March 19, 2021, to provide comments on this collection. The DOL expects around 19 million respondents and estimates the total annual time burden to be nearly 10 million hours.

The Department of Labor is asking for public comments on a proposal related to safety in underground coal mines. The proposal involves collecting information about emergency shelters, known as refuge alternatives, which are used when miners cannot escape during an emergency. This request is part of a review process under the Paperwork Reduction Act, and the public has until February 24, 2025, to submit their comments. This information will help ensure the safety regulations are practical and effective.

The Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor has issued an annual update regarding the charges employers can impose on H-2A workers for meals and reimbursement for travel expenses. For 2025, the maximum charge for meals set by the Department of Labor is $16.28 per day, which an employer can only exceed with authorization. Additionally, H-2A and H-2B employers are obligated to reimburse workers for travel-related costs when they reach 50% of their employment period, ensuring the reimbursements do not exceed the standard per diem rate for meals and lodging in the Continental United States. These updates take effect on March 24, 2025.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to collect information related to worker safety at grain handling facilities. This request is in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act, and the DOL is inviting public comments on the proposal. The information collection focuses on safety measures such as housekeeping and emergency action plans, and ensuring equipment safety. The public is encouraged to provide feedback on whether this information collection is necessary and how it could be improved.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is requesting public comments on a proposed information collection, sponsored by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), related to the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. This collection aims to raise awareness about fall hazards and prevent workplace fatalities and injuries. Comments should be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) by May 19, 2025. The proposed survey will help verify participation in the Stand-Down, and DOL-OSHA seeks authorization for this information collection for three years.

In this final rule, the Department of Labor revises the way it calculates prevailing wage levels for alien workers in the U.S. to ensure wages align more accurately with those of U.S. workers with similar skills. This change applies to H1-B, H1-B1, and E-3 visa programs as well as certain immigrant visa categories. The rule lowers the previous wage level estimates, transitioning over a phased implementation period, to better protect U.S. worker job opportunities by eliminating financial incentives for using lower-paid foreign labor over similarly capable American workers. The rule also provides steps to ensure a smooth transition to these new wage levels.

The Department of Labor has introduced a new rule focusing on electronic filing and service procedures for cases handled by the Office of Administrative Law Judges. This rule mandates attorneys and representatives to use the Department's electronic system for filing and serving documents, making it easier and more streamlined. Individuals representing themselves can choose between electronic and traditional filing methods. Additionally, the rule covers various technical details, such as electronic signatures, the scheduling of hearings, and modifications to existing regulations to accommodate these new procedures.

The Department of Labor issued a direct final rule requiring attorneys and lay representatives representing parties before the Benefits Review Board to use electronic filing (e-filing) and automatic electronic service (e-service) for submitting documents. This rule, effective on February 25, 2021, aims to streamline the process, reduce costs, and improve efficiency by moving towards completely electronic case files. Self-represented parties are given the option to use these electronic systems or continue with traditional methods. The rule is designed to be non-controversial and mimics procedures already familiar in federal courts.