Workforce Protections Subcommittee
Updated
Witnesses:
On Wednesday, November 17, the Workforce Protections Subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee examined state workers’ compensations systems. Workers’ compensation traditionally provides financial assistance and job training to workers injured on the job and aid to the surviving family of a worker killed on the job.
These systems have undergone numerous changes in the past decade as many states have begun strictly limiting workers’ compensation benefits – changes that may be stressing the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Additionally, the American Medical Association’s (AMA) guide to assessing injured workers has undergone significant changes in its latest edition, which has made consequential changes to injured workers’ evaluation procedure.
Archived Webcast »
These systems have undergone numerous changes in the past decade as many states have begun strictly limiting workers’ compensation benefits – changes that may be stressing the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Additionally, the American Medical Association’s (AMA) guide to assessing injured workers has undergone significant changes in its latest edition, which has made consequential changes to injured workers’ evaluation procedure.
Witnesses:
- Emily Spieler » Dean Northeastern University School of Law Boston, MA
- John Burton » Professor Emeritus, School of Management and Labor Relations, Rutgers University Professor Emeritus, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell University Princeton, NJ
- Christopher Godfrey » Iowa Workers Compensation Commissioner Des Moines, IA
- Dr. John Nimlos » Occupational Medicine Consultant Shoreline, WA
- W. Frederick Uehlein » Founder and Chairman Insurance Recovery Group Osterville, MA
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The Workforce Protections Subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee held a field forum in Middletown, Conn. on Monday, June 28 regarding the Kleen Energy Systems power plant explosion. On February 7, a massive explosion ripped through the natural gas power plant that was under construction killing five workers and injuring dozens.
Shortly after the explosion, Connecticut U.S. Reps. Joe Courtney, Rosa DeLauro, and John Larson requested that the committee hold a proceeding into the tragedy. Rep. Courtney is a member of the Education and Labor Committee.
Shortly after the explosion, Connecticut U.S. Reps. Joe Courtney, Rosa DeLauro, and John Larson requested that the committee hold a proceeding into the tragedy. Rep. Courtney is a member of the Education and Labor Committee.
Witnesses:
- Edward Badamo » Fire Chief South Fire District Middletown, Conn.
- Hon. John Bresland » Board Member U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board Washington, D.C.
-
Glenn Corbett »
associate professor and chair
Department of Protection Management John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, N.Y. - Honorable Sebastian Giuliano » Mayor of Middletown Middletown, Conn
- Hon. Alan Nevas » Chair of the Governor’s Kleen Energy Systems and Explosion Origin and Cause Panel Westport, Conn.
- Jodi Thomas » wife of Ron Crabb a pipefitter who died in the explosion Colchester, Conn.
Due to the off-site location of this hearing, there will be limited multimedia capabilities.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT) entered her opening statement into the record.
Rep. John Larson (CT) entered his opening statement into the record.
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board issued urgent recommendations after their investigation into the explosion at the Kleen Energy Systems power plant.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT) entered her opening statement into the record.
Rep. John Larson (CT) entered his opening statement into the record.
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board issued urgent recommendations after their investigation into the explosion at the Kleen Energy Systems power plant.
The Workforce Protections Subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing Wednesday on a proposal to strengthen protections for workers who blow the whistle on dangerous workplace conditions, and guarantee a voice for families of workers killed, and those who are seriously injured, or become ill on the job.
Among other provisions, the Protecting America’s Workers Act (H.R. 2067) and proposed changes to legislation, would update workplace whistleblower protections by mirroring other modern whistleblower statutes, such as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The bill would also ensure that victims and their families are kept informed about investigations of fatalities and incidents involving serious injuries or illnesses.
Archived Webcast »
Among other provisions, the Protecting America’s Workers Act (H.R. 2067) and proposed changes to legislation, would update workplace whistleblower protections by mirroring other modern whistleblower statutes, such as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The bill would also ensure that victims and their families are kept informed about investigations of fatalities and incidents involving serious injuries or illnesses.
Witnesses:
- Jordan Barab » Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Washington, D.C.
- Lloyd B. Chinn » Partner Proskauer Rose LLP New York, New York
- Tonya Ford » Niece of Robert Fitch, a worker killed at an Archer Daniels Midland plant Lincoln, Nebraska
- Neal Jorgensen » whistleblower formerly employed at Plastic Industries Preston, Idaho
-
Dr. Celeste Monforton »
Assistant Research Professor
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health The George Washington University Washington, D.C. - Dennis J. Morikawa » Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lynn Rhinehart » General Counsel AFL-CIO Washington, D.C.
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Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a real challenge for many American families. On Thursday, April 22, the Workforce Protections Subcommittee of the House Committee on Education and Labor will examine the Work-Life Balance Award Act of 2010 (H.R. 4855). The legislation, authored by subcommittee chairwoman Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) and committee chairman Rep. George Miller (D-CA), recognizes on an annual basis exemplary employers that provide their employees the ability to achieve a work-life balance through the creation of a Work-Life Balance Award within the Department of Labor.
A bipartisan advisory board representing both private and public employees, labor and family advocates will develop the award’s criteria. The board will be appointed by the Secretary of Labor based on recommendations by Congressional leaders. Any employer, public or private, of any size may apply for the award. More information on H.R. 4855.
Archived Webcast »
A bipartisan advisory board representing both private and public employees, labor and family advocates will develop the award’s criteria. The board will be appointed by the Secretary of Labor based on recommendations by Congressional leaders. Any employer, public or private, of any size may apply for the award. More information on H.R. 4855.
Witnesses:
- Carol Evans » President Working Mother Media New York, N.Y.
- China Miner Gorman » Chief Global Member Engagement Officer Society for Human Resource Management Alexandria, VA
- The Honorable Victoria Lipnic » Washington, D.C.
- Portia Wu » Vice-President National Partnership for Women Washington, D.C.
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Postponed
Witnesses:
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a real challenge for many American families. On Tuesday, March 23, the Workforce Protections Subcommittee of the House Committee on Education and Labor will examine the Work-Life Balance Award Act of 2010 (H.R. 4855). The legislation, authored by subcommittee chairwoman Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) and committee chairman Rep. George Miller (D-CA), recognizes on an annual basis exemplary employers that provide their employees the ability to achieve a work-life balance through the creation of a Work-Life Balance Award within the Department of Labor.
A bipartisan advisory board representing both private and public employees, labor and family advocates will develop the award’s criteria. The Board will be appointed by the Secretary of Labor based on recommendations by Congressional leaders. Any employer, public or private, of any size may apply for the award.
A bipartisan advisory board representing both private and public employees, labor and family advocates will develop the award’s criteria. The Board will be appointed by the Secretary of Labor based on recommendations by Congressional leaders. Any employer, public or private, of any size may apply for the award.
Witnesses:
- Carol Evans President Working Mother Media New York, N.Y.
- Victoria Lipnic Counsel Seyfarth Shaw, LLP Washington, D.C.
- China Miner Gorman Chief Global Member Engagement Officer Society for Human Resource Management Alexandria, VA
- Portia Wu Vice-President National Partnership for Women Washington, D.C.
The
Work-Life Balance Award Act of 2010 (H.R. 4855) would establish an
annual ‘Work-Life Balance Award’ within the Department of Labor that
would recognize employers with exemplary work-life balance policies.
A bipartisan advisory board – selected by the Secretary of Labor based on recommendations by congressional leaders of both parties that represent both private and public employers, labor, and family advocates – will develop the award’s criteria. No more than four members of the advisory committee may belong to the same political party.
Any employer, public or private, of any size may apply for the award. The Department of Labor will publish the list of awardees on its website.
A bipartisan advisory board – selected by the Secretary of Labor based on recommendations by congressional leaders of both parties that represent both private and public employers, labor, and family advocates – will develop the award’s criteria. No more than four members of the advisory committee may belong to the same political party.
Any employer, public or private, of any size may apply for the award. The Department of Labor will publish the list of awardees on its website.
The Workforce Protections Subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing on legislation to modernize workplace health and safety penalties.
The Protecting America’s Workers Act (H.R. 2067), introduced by U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D- CA), chair of the subcommittee, will strengthen and modernize the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the law that ensures the health and safety of American workers.
Archived Webcast »
The Protecting America’s Workers Act (H.R. 2067), introduced by U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D- CA), chair of the subcommittee, will strengthen and modernize the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the law that ensures the health and safety of American workers.
Witnesses:
-
John Cruden »
Acting Assistant Attorney General
Environment and Natural Resources Division Department of Justice Washington, D.C. - David Michaels » Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupation Safety and Health Administration Washington, D.C.
- Eric Frumin » Health and Safety Coordinator Change to Win New York, N.Y.
- Jonathan Snare » Partner Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce Washington, D.C.
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Due to the off-site location of this hearing, there will be no webcast, photos or videos.
Witnesses:
-
Ann O’Leary »
Executive Director
Berkeley Center for Health, Economic & Family Security UC Berkeley School of Law Berkeley, CA -
Stephanie Bornstein »
Associate Director
The Center for WorkLife Law UC Hastings College of the Law San Francisco, CA - Joan Blades » Co-founder MOMS Rising Berkeley, CA
- Claudia Zamorano » Novato, CA
-
Maria S. Ferris »
Director
Diversity, Compliance & Employee Experience IBM Corporation Cary, NC
The House Workforce Protections Subcommittee will hold a hearing on Thursday, June 11 to examine proposals for expanding workers’ access to paid family and sick leave. While more than 80 percent of Americans support having paid sick days, the U.S. is the only country among the 22 nations ranked high in economic and human development that doesn’t guarantee paid sick leave to workers.
The FIRST Act, H.R. 2339, provides grants to the states to implement and improve their paid family leave programs. Healthy Families Act, H.R. 2460, mandates that businesses with 15 or more employees provide up to 7 days of paid sick days to their employees.
Archived Webcast »
The FIRST Act, H.R. 2339, provides grants to the states to implement and improve their paid family leave programs. Healthy Families Act, H.R. 2460, mandates that businesses with 15 or more employees provide up to 7 days of paid sick days to their employees.
Witnesses:
- U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) »
- U.S. Representative Alan Grayson (D-FL) »
- Rajiv Bhatia » Director Occupational and Environmental Health Department of Public Health San Francisco, CA
- China Miner Gorman » Chief Operating Officer Society for Human Resource Managers Alexandria, VA
- Deborah Frett » CEO BPW Foundation Washington, DC
- Hon. Victoria A. Lipnic, Esq. » U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Debra Ness » President National Partnership for Women Washington, DC
- Sandra Poole » Deputy Director California Employment Development Department Disability Insurance Branch
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The Workforce Protections Subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing on Thursday, April 30 on the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Enhanced Enforcement Program.
The Enhanced Enforcement Program identifies high risk employers by their past behavior and targets them for additional scrutiny. However, the U.S. Department of Labor Inspector General’s Office issued a report on April 1 that found the Bush administration did not properly enforce worker health and safety laws used to oversee employers with history of safety violations. It shows that over the last five years, since the program was established, the EEP has failed to effectively deter employers from putting workers’ lives at risk.
Archived Webcast »
The Enhanced Enforcement Program identifies high risk employers by their past behavior and targets them for additional scrutiny. However, the U.S. Department of Labor Inspector General’s Office issued a report on April 1 that found the Bush administration did not properly enforce worker health and safety laws used to oversee employers with history of safety violations. It shows that over the last five years, since the program was established, the EEP has failed to effectively deter employers from putting workers’ lives at risk.
Witnesses:
- Jordan Barab » Acting Assistant Labor Secretary Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Eric Frumin » Director of Health and Safety Change to Win
- Elliot Lewis » Assistant Inspector General for Audits U.S. Department of Labor
- Jesus Royas, stepson of Raul Figueroa, » a worker who was crushed to death as a result of unsafe working conditions West Palm Beach, Fla.
- Jason Schwartz » Partner Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
On Tuesday, March 31, the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections of the House Education and Labor Committee will hold a hearing to examine green jobs and their role in our nation’s economic recovery. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act set aside $50 billion in grants and tax incentives to promote energy efficiency and the renewable energy sector. Congress also approved the Green Jobs Act in 2007, a program to help train American workers for jobs in the renewable energy and energy-efficiency industries.
Archived Webcast »
Witnesses:
- William T. Bogart » Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Economics York College York, Pa.
- Kathy Krepcio » Executive Director John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University
- Jerome Ringo » President The Apollo Alliance San Francisco
- Robin Roy » Vice President for Projects and Policy Serious Materials Sunnyvale, Calif.
- Jill Sherman » Gerding Edlen Development Portland, Ore.
- Clinton R. Wolfe » Executive Director Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness Aiken, South Carolina
The hearing will explore how family-friendly policies, such as grants to support state paid leave programs, paid leave, expansions to the Family and Medical Leave Act, and paid sick days make sound economic sense not only in good times, but during recessionary times as well.
Archived Webcast »
Witnesses:
- Eileen Appelbaum » Director of the Center for Women and Work Rutgers University
- Michelle Bernard » President and CEO Independent Women’s Forum
- Heather Boushey » Senior Economist Center for American Progress Action Fund
- Rebia Mixon Clay » Home Health Care Worker Chicago
This hearing examined whether the Department of Labor is doing enough to enforce U.S. child labor laws and will explore the impact of child labor on families.
Archived Webcast »
Witnesses:
- Norma Flores » Former child worker Chicago
- Sally Greenberg » Co-Chair Child Labor Coalition
- Alexander Passantino » Acting Wage and Hour Administrator U.S. Department of Labor
- David Strauss » Executive Director Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs