Labor Department Reinstates 250 Employees Amid Shutdown
The Department of Labor has announced the recall of 255 employees as the ongoing government shutdown continues into its second month. This decision is part of a new contingency plan aimed at maintaining essential services.
Recall of Employees Amid Government Shutdown
The new plan, released by the Labor Department, specifically calls back staff from the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) to handle key functions. Their responsibilities include processing prevailing wage determinations and labor certification applications.
Details of the Recall
- 255 employees recalled to resume critical operations.
- 200 essential workers at the Employment and Training Administration.
- 55 workers in the Wage and Hour Division are funded separately.
This recall addresses a pressing need for agricultural employers, who have been advocating for this action in recent weeks. The processing of labor certifications is vital before employers can file petitions for workers with the Department of Homeland Security.
Impact on the Agricultural Sector
The ongoing shutdown had created significant strain for farmers, particularly as they approached peak season without necessary labor via the H-2A seasonal visa program. A letter from the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) on October 22 requested that the processing of these certifications be deemed essential amid the shutdown. Failure to act could jeopardize crops and result in severe losses for farmers.
Michael March, president of the NCAE, expressed relief and optimism following the announcement of the recall. He noted that the agricultural community had already faced losses but hoped this decision would mitigate further damage.
Additional Notes on Labor Department Operations
The plan also mentions intermittent exceptions for staff from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to release the consumer price index. However, prolonged shutdowns might still affect the timeliness and quality of this data.
A spokesperson for the Labor Department indicated that this change was made after discussions with the Office of Management and Budget, aimed at addressing the needs of American workers amidst Senate inaction.
EEOC Also Reinstates Employees
In a related development, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has also recalled three employees, including the newly appointed commissioner, Brittany Panuccio.
