Department of Government Efficiency accessing Labor Department systems

A federal judge declined to immediately block the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing systems at the Labor Department, despite concerns raised by labor unions. The department, led by Elon Musk, has been investigated for accessing sensitive information and violating multiple laws.

Nomination of Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) to be the secretary of the Department of Labor in his incoming administration. Chavez-DeRemer has a background in both business and labor and is expected to work on creating opportunities for American workers and improving working conditions.

U.S. Economy and Labor Market

The U.S. economy created 818,000 fewer jobs than originally reported in the 12-month period through March 2024, indicating a weaker labor market and potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

New Federal Rule to Protect Coal Miners from Silica Dust

The Labor Department issued a new federal rule to better protect coal miners from poisonous silica dust, which has caused thousands of premature deaths from black lung disease. The rule cuts the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica in half for an eight-hour shift.