US Department of Labor highlights safe construction practices during 2026 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls

US Department of Labor highlights safe construction practices during 2026 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is encouraging construction employers and workers nationwide to participate in the 13th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, taking place May 4-8, 2026.The nationwide event focuses on preventing falls, the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry, and reinforces the importance of planning, training, and hazard awareness to protect workers.Because falls continue to pose a significant risk in construction, OSHA is making prevention a top priority. Through efforts like the Safety Stand-Down, the agency is working to drive real change and emphasizing that lasting progress is achieved through employers, workers, and industry partners working together.OSHA encourages employers to pause work throughout the week and engage employees ...

US Department of Labor, Office of the Trade Representative seek review by Mexican government into alleged labor rights denial at Nuevo Laredo plant

US Department of Labor, Office of the Trade Representative seek review by Mexican government into alleged labor rights denial at Nuevo Laredo plant
WASHINGTON – The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement today requested a review from the government of Mexico of the Tecnología Modificada facility in Nuevo Laredo, based on its investigation of a denial of workers’ rights. The facility is operated by a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment, and other products.The U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Trade Representative co-chair the Interagency Labor Committee.The request follows a Sept. 25, 2023, petition filed under the USMCA’s Rapid Response Labor Mechanism by the National Independent Union of Industry and Service Workers “20/32 Movement” alleging that the company unlawfully terminated a worker for union organizing and that the company engaged in several actions that interfered with union activities. A U.S. government investigation found evidence supporting the allegations, leading to the request for review.“We take very seriously the allegations of employer interference in union activities in this case, including the firing of a worker for organizing. These acts undermine workers’ rights and the development of free and independent unions. The Mexican Labor Reform and the USMCA Rapid Response Mechanism were designed to address exactly this type of incident,” said Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee. “We look forward to working closely with the government of Mexico to find solutions to these issues and build on our positive track record.” Sufficient and credible evidence supporting the denial of workers’ rights by Tecnología Modificada allowed the committee to invoke the USMCA’s Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.“Workers are entitled to organize for and select the union of their choice without retaliation or interference from their employer.” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “Today’s action demonstrates the United States’ steadfast commitment to using the RRM to safeguard workers’ exercise of these fundamental rights.  We look forward to working closely with the Government of Mexico to resolve the issues present in this matter.”Mexico’s government has 10 days to decide whether to conduct a review and 45 days to investigate the claims and present its findings. The Tecnología Modificada facility in Nuevo Laredo refurbishes electronic mechanical parts used in Caterpillar tractors, earth movers and other heavy equipment. Learn more about the department’s international work.

Published at October 25, 2023 at 05:00PM
Read more at https://dol.gov

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Settlement affirms willful OSHA violations, $215K penalties, against contractors for fall hazards at multiple New Jersey work sites

St. Louis contractor faces $258K in fines after exposing roofing workers to potentially deadly fall hazards 5 times in 7 weeks at Wentzville worksites

US Department of Labor awards $86M to 14 states for investment in skills training programs for critical in-demand, emerging industries