WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled a series of significant updates, ranging from veteran employment recognition to workplace safety, leadership appointments, and funding for displaced workers. These announcements underscore the department’s commitment to fostering safe working conditions, championing merit-based practices, and supporting economic recovery in communities nationwide.
Applications Open for 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award
Employers seeking recognition for their efforts to recruit, hire, and retain America’s military veterans can now apply for the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award. The application period closes on April 30, 2025. Established under the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act, this award celebrates businesses and organizations of all sizes for their leadership in veteran employment. Since its inception, over 2,000 employers have been commended for their commitment to helping veterans transition into meaningful civilian careers.
The department emphasized that to qualify, applicants must meet stringent award requirements, comply with program rules, and pay a registration fee. Award recipients will join a growing network of employers demonstrating excellence in veteran employment initiatives.
Apply for a HIRE Vets Medallion Award by the April 30, 2025, deadline.
OSHA Issues Citation to SeaWorld Following Trainer Injury
A federal investigation into a workplace injury at SeaWorld Orlando has led to a critical citation for the theme park. The incident, which occurred in September 2024, involved a trainer who was injured during a killer whale training exercise. Following the investigation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that the employee had been inadequately protected from significant hazards.
OSHA issued a serious citation under the general duty clause for exposing trainers to potential dangers such as bites, struck-by injuries, and drowning. The agency proposed a fine of $16,550. SeaWorld has 15 business days to respond, either by addressing the penalties, requesting a meeting with OSHA’s area director, or contesting the findings through an independent commission.
New Leadership for Federal Contract Compliance Programs
The Department of Labor has named Catherine Eschbach as the new director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Eschbach brings extensive legal credentials to the role, having served as an appellate lawyer specializing in constitutional and administrative law at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. She also played a pivotal role in shaping litigation strategies to ensure federal practices align with constitutional mandates.
Eschbach expressed her commitment to carrying out President Trump’s recent executive actions to streamline federal contracting practices. “Under the Trump Administration, I’m proud to lead the OFCCP in prioritizing merit-based systems to provide all workers with equal opportunity,” she stated. Eschbach will also oversee the department’s efforts to phase out Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices that now fall outside the administration’s directives.
$1.7M Grant to Support Kentucky Workers Displaced by Layoffs
The Labor Department has allocated a $1.7 million National Dislocated Worker Grant to aid workers impacted by layoffs at Daicel Safety Systems America in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. These layoffs, which began in March 2024, led to job losses across several counties, creating an urgent need for workforce development initiatives.
Administered under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, the grant allows Green River Area Development Inc. Workforce Development Board to provide displaced workers with training and career services. The program spans Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties, targeting communities hard-hit by the economic fallout of the layoffs.
Looking Ahead
From honoring veterans to addressing workplace safety and revitalizing local economies, the U.S. Department of Labor’s recent actions reflect its multifaceted approach to improving the American workforce. The appointment of Catherine Eschbach, paired with financial support for displaced workers and efforts to protect employees, signals a renewed emphasis on accountability, meritocracy, and progress.
These initiatives, rooted in tangible outcomes and forward-looking plans, reinforce the department’s mission to adapt to contemporary labor challenges while laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient workforce in the years to come.
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