labor lawAdivision of labor law center

The US Department of Labor recently announced a one-stop internet tool for employers and employees affected by the Midwest Floods of 2008.

“We want to make information easily accessible and help quickly available to Americans affected by the devastating flooding in the Midwest,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “In addition to our toll-free telephone number, we’ve set up a Midwest Flood Recovery Assistance Web page to guide affected residents on unemployment insurance, personal safety during cleanup operations and many other helpful resources for workers and employers.”

Some in the Midwest are calling the 2008 floods the “Hundred Year Floods.” In Lake Delton, the overflow nearly drained a lake, destroying the area’s popular Wisconsin Dells resort industry. Further downstream, many towns have virtually been wiped out by flooding – even those FEMA claimed were in no danger.

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 The US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration or EBSA has extended the filing deadlines for employer sin a number of states affected by severe weather. Employers should note that the extensions apply only to operations affected by the weather, in regions that have been declared disaster areas by President Bush. Other employers in the areas must file as usual.

The extensions apply to Form 5500 or Form 5500 EZ employer tax documents. Employers should check Part I on Form 5500 or Part 1 on Form 5500 EZ, and attach a statement.

The extensions affect plan administrators, employers and others who regularly file Form 5500.

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 The US Department of Labor recently announced a grant of more than $17 million to Iowa to aid workers in areas affected by flooding and tornadoes.

“Our hearts go out to Iowans who are suffering from the ongoing flooding and who were victims of the recent tornadoes, including last week’s tragic loss of life at a Boy Scout camp,” said US Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.  “This $17 million grant will pay for temporary jobs to aid in the cleanup and recovery from these natural disasters and will provide humanitarian assistance to Iowans in need.” 

As of June 16, nearly one-third of the state was under water, and flooding continued. A June 11 tornado touched down in a Boy Scout camp, killing 4 and injuring many others. The severe thunderstorms affected many areas of the Midwest, causing flooding in the Missouri, Upper Mississippi, and Ohio River Basins.

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