labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Washington employers have long complained about the high cost of doing business in the state, including workers’ compensation claims and insurance premiums. Now, they can take control of this annoying problem.

Employers in the state of Washington can sign up for free seminars on managing workers’ comp costs, claims and premiums sponsored by the state government.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries or L&I is offering the free seminar, entitled “Introduction to Rates and Claims Management.”

The seminar is free, but registration is required. Participants can register online  or by calling 1-800-574-2829.

The half-day seminar will be presented on 17 different dates in locations across the state including Bremerton, Tukwila, Vancouver, Port Angeles, Kennewick and Mount Vernon.

The complete schedule of dates and locations is here.  The next workshop is in Kennewick on June 10, 2009. The final workshop this year is in Tacoma on December 9, 2009.

According to L&I, the workshop is an overview of basic workers’ comp claims management principles. Participants will learn:  (more…)

The federal government recently announced grants totaling $10 million to train workers for the growing energy industry.

High gas prices have prompted an even greater interest in alternative sources of energy, including nuclear energy, wind power, solar energy and ethanol. There has also been renewed interest in offshore oil drilling. This has fueled demand for workers in the field, nationwide.

The Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County in Santa Rose, California (more…)

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a $7,350,171 grant to Texas employers to create approximately 475 temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts as a result of Hurricane Dolly.

Dolly, a category 2 hurricane, struck the Texas Gulf Coast on July 24, 2008. The storm left inches of rain in its wake. More than 175, 000 residents were still without power a day later, and damages were estimated at $750 million.   Dolly also affected portions of Mexico and other Gulf Coast regions.

“This $7.4 million grant will provide Texans with temporary jobs assisting in disaster relief and clean-up efforts to help communities recover from Hurricane Dolly damage,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

On July 24, (more…)