Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Labor Link - March 16, 2012
When Disaster Strikes
This issue of Labor Link aims to educate Missourians on disaster response on various fronts including fair housing, unemployment insurance claims, and what to do if severe weather strikes at work. Read more...

Labor Talk Podcast - March 16, 2012
Storm Aware at Work
With all the inclement weather we've been having in Missouri we think it's important that businesses be prepared with an emergency weather plan. This video is part of the statewide Severe Weather Awareness Week. Watch Video...

State Officials Respond to Assist Branson Workers, Businesses
Officials from the Missouri Department of Labor, Department of Insurance and Economic Development, along with the Taney County Business Partnership Development, the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Ozark Workforce Investment Board will hold response sessions to assist workers and businesses in the Branson area that were affected by the tornado and storms on February 29, 2012. READ MORE...

March 2012 Diversity Spotlight: Women's History Month
The 2012 theme of Women’s History Month is “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment.”  Early proponents of education for women were trampled by arguments from physicians and other “experts” who believed females were incapable of intellectual development equal to men, or that they would be harmed by attempting to gain knowledge that they were not able to retain. READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - February 24, 2012
Business Booms for Shared Work Company
A St. Louis Co. joined our program during a slow time allowing them to keep their workers & reduce labor costs. Now they are better than ever after a record year in 2011! Watch Video...

Missouri Commission on Human Rights Takes Message of Fair Housing Awareness to Areas Affected by Natural Disasters - February 23, 2012
For the third year in a row, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) will be launching the Show-Me Fair Housing Awareness Project (SMFHAP), a public awareness campaign designed to educate persons about the fair housing laws in place to protect them.Read more...

Labor Link - February 22, 2012
Missouri's Black History
With February designated as Black History Month, it is an opportune time to look back at influential members of society that made a valuable impact on the development of equal rights in our state. Through leadership, unity, and even music, Missouri has been paving the way to ensure its citizens have an equal opportunity to flourish in society. Read more...

Labor Talk Podcast - February 14, 2012
Proper Use of Sick Time
Answers on how to address illness/health issues in the workplace such as when to call in/not to call in sick, and how to identify abuse of sick leave as well as extended medical leave. Watch Video...

Labor Talk Podcast - February 03, 2012
Rights on the Job for All
This podcast explains how to recognize disabilities in the workplace and accommodate them so that we can focus more on the quality of work rather than on our differences. Watch Video...

February 2012 Diversity Spotlight: Black History Month
To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week, with the first celebration occurring on February 12, 1926. READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - January 27, 2012
Employee Misconduct
Inability to do a job does not mean misconduct took place. Learn more about the employer's responsibility to document employee's actions as it relates to unemployment benefits. Watch Video...

Labor Talk Podcast - January 20, 2012
Workplace Internal Policies
Office policies can oftentimes be overlooked or misinterpreted--leading to bad situations for the employee and the employer. Learn how to make your employee handbook/policy fool proof. Watch Video...

Labor Link: Stabilize the Economy and Better the Community - January 18, 2012
Whether you have plans to build a new public structure, renovate and complete facelifts on an older public building, or engage in other projects that benefit the public— this edition has you covered as it highlights certain programs and surrounding public works projects. Read more...

Labor Talk Podcast - January 11, 2012
Where Following, Friending and Posting Fit in the Workplace
Social media is not going away anytime soon. Here are helpful guidelines and tips for employers/employees on how to handle this communication craze in the office. Watch Video...

January 2012 Diversity Spotlight: A Dream Continues Today - January 10, 2012
In January, our nation recognizes the birthday of one of the most visible advocates of nonviolent and direct action for social change, Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK). READ MORE...

Labor Link: Year End Stress Begins - December 15, 2011
The December edition of Labor Link includes tips and suggestions for reducing employers' stress during the busy holiday season READ MORE...

Kansas City, MO, Ambassador Steel, is among Best in Workplace Safety - December 13, 2011
The Labor Dept's On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is pleased to announce that Ambassador Steel of KC, Missouri has earned the distinction of being named the newest member of the Missouri's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). READ MORE...

December 2011 Diversity Spotlight: Religious Freedom - December 12, 2011
December marks the celebration of several major religious holidays including Christmas and Hanukkah, along with several religious holidays that are not as mainstream, such as Bodhi Day (Buddhism) and Ashura (Islam). READ MORE...

State Continues to Crack Down on Unemployment Fraud - December 09, 2011
Less than a month after implementing a new cross-matching process with the Department of Corrections, the Missouri Department of Labor has already prevented one inmate from trying to obtain unemployment benefits and caught 11 others who have tried in the past. READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - December 09, 2011
2011: Federal Benefits Phase-Out
DES Director takes us through the various federal program tiers and explains how the phase out will affect claimants. Watch Video...

STL Contractor Caught Violating the Prevailing Wage Law - December 09, 2011
After receiving a verbal complaint, the Missouri Department of Labor's DLS conducted an investigation and found that a St. Louis Contractor, Gateway Construction Services Inc., was in violation of the state's prevailing wage law.  Read more...

Boone County Contractor Violates Prevailing Wage Law - December 07, 2011
After receiving complaints from workers, the Missouri Labor Department conducted a wage investigation and found Tiger Construction & Fence LLC, in Columbia, Missouri, in violation of the prevailing wage law for not paying the appropriate wages to four of its workers. Read more...

Contractor Debarred from Working on Public Works Projects - December 05, 2011
A wage investigation conducted by the Missouri Department of Labor’s Division of Labor Standards (DLS) prompted the Secretary of State’s Office to grant placement of Saxon W. Johnson, ‘The Tile Doctor’, of Lenexa, KS, on the Public Works Construction Debarment List. Read more...

Tobacco Free: Great American Smokeout - November 16, 2011
November 17 marks the date of the 36th American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. This annual event originated in 1971. Read more...

Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You -
November 16, 2011
but what you can do for your country, or state, or neighborhood... find out what the Department is doing to recognize everyday heroes from soldiers to firefighters.. READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - November 14, 2011
Missouri Auto Suppliers: Keeping Jobs in the Heartland
At the height of the auto industry, more than 22,000 men and women had jobs manufacturing the parts needed to assemble vehicles. Learn how the major Ford and GM announcements impact those supply companies throughout the state. Watch Video...

New Rail Cars Creates New Jobs - November 4, 2011
Gov. Nixon and Union Pacific announce new rail car that was built and designed in De Soto, Mo. This announcement will create new jobs and set Missouri apart from the rest when it comes to making good, quality products. Watch Video...

GM Celebrates 100th Anniversary, Mo Celebrates 1,660 Auto Jobs - November 3, 2011
A new truck will soon be produced in Wentzville only. See the new truck and listen to auto workers who have been called back to the line! Watch Video...

Mo Auto Industry Announcement - October 21, 2011
Hundreds of jobs will be created as a result of a $1 billion investment by Ford in the Claycomo plant in Kansas City. Watch Video...

Briefcases and Broomsticks - October 20, 2011
It's that time of year again — the leaves are turning, the temperature is dropping and before you know it, the trick-or-treaters will be out and about! READ MORE...

Husky Breaks for Safety and Workers - October 18, 2011
Have you ever wondered where the rubber nozzle covers at the gas station come from? They are manufactured here in Missouri, by Husky, a company that recently achieved SHARP safety status. Watch video...

Labor Talk Podcast - October 17, 2011
Non-Compete Clause: Employment Contracts
Before you sign a contract with your boss, make sure you fully understand what it contains so that you can make better career decisions for your future. Watch...

Director's Spotlight: National Disability Employment Awareness - October 7, 2011
In October, we recognize the significant contributions that persons with disabilities make in the workplace as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Read more...

Labor Talk Podcast - October 7, 2011
Fire Prevention Week: Workplace Safety
Hundreds of workers are injured every year due to lack of proper fire safety. State Fire Marshall Randy Cole says awareness and practice is key in saving lives. Watch...

HB136 Helps Missouri Military Families -
October 3, 2011
With a month since the law passed allowing spouses who leave their job to relocate with their active military personnel to file for unemployment benefits, we find two families making the move and thanking their patriotic stars for this symbol of support from their state. Watch...

Labor Talk Podcast - September 30 2011
Protecting a Precious Industry
It takes rigorous safety training to ensure the wellbeing of the mining industry's most precious commodity—the miner. And hundreds of miners from across the country traveled to Mo to compete in the only underground mine contest to test their life-saving skills. Watch...

Missouri Announces Winners of the 29th Annual Mine Rescue Contest - September 30 2011
Miners from around the country traveled to Rolla, Mo., this week to compete in the nation's longest - running underground mining competition to prove their expertise and put their skills to the test so that they can be prepared in the event that an actual mine incident occurs. READ MORE...

Missouri Workplace Injuries Down by 25% in 2010 - September 29 2011
The Department of Labor releases its annual workplace fatality statistics and found that a preliminary total of 107 fatal work injuries were recorded in Missouri in 2010, down approximately 25 percent from the 142 fatal work injuries reported for 2009.  READ MORE...

Shillington Box Co. of St. Louis is among Best in Workplace - September 22, 2011
The Missouri Department of Labor is pleased to announce that Shillington Box Company of St. Louis has earned the distinction of being named one of the newest members of the Missouri's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for its excellent workplace safety record.  READ MORE...

Labor Link: Social Buzz at Work - September 15, 2011
Social media isn't just for teenagers any more. But can it be used professionally? Find out more by reading this month's edition of Labor Link.  READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - September 15, 2011
How Being Paid Under the Table Hurts the Workforce
Every year, hundreds of employers misclassify thousands of workers to avoid paying taxes on their behalf. This gives employers an unfair advantage AND hinders workers from getting access to benefits such as work comp and unemployment. Learn more about what the Dept is doing! WATCH...

Cape Girardeau Company Falsifies Payroll Records -
September 14, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department concluded an investigation finding that Larry McElroy of Blackhawk Electric Company in Cape Girardeau violated the prevailing wage law and falsified certified payroll records.  READ MORE...

Laclede Cab Co. Ordered to Pay $85K for Workplace Discrimination - September 12, 2011
The Missouri Department of Labor's Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) announced today that Laclede Cab Company in St. Louis has been ordered to pay $85,000 in damages for not hiring a taxi driver because of his disability.  READ MORE...

Kansas City Contractor Debarred from Working on Public Works Projects - September 9, 2011
The Missouri Department of Labor's request that Rycoblake Corporation be added to the Public Works Construction Debarment list was granted by the Secretary of State's Office.  READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - September 7, 2011
Joplin Handles Housing Issues: Getting a Home Loan
This week's follow-up podcast takes a look at some of the dangers borrowers face when looking to purchase a home. We visit with a local Joplin banker, three months after the tornado.  WATCH...

Director's Spotlight - September 2, 2011
Labor Day: A Tribute to Missouri's Leadership in Worker Protection
A new law passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor went into effect yesterday, allowing the spouse of an active member of the military to be eligible for unemployment benefits if accompanying the spouse in the event of a military transfer.  READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - August 30, 2011
Joplin Handles Housing Issues
Today is the 100th day since the EF-5 tornado struck the city of Joplin and destroyed the homes of thousands. WATCH...

New Law Allows Military Spouses Who Relocate to File for Unemployment - August 29, 2011
A new law passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor went into effect yesterday, allowing the spouse of an active member of the military to be eligible for unemployment benefits if accompanying the spouse in the event of a military transfer.  READ MORE...

Unemployment Available to Flood Victims - August 24, 2011
On August 12, 2011, a major disaster declaration was granted by President Barack Obama, opening the door for Missourians in six declared counties whose employment was lost or interrupted as a result of flooding from June 1, 2011, to August 1, 2011, to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).  READ MORE...

Missouri Prevailing Wage Rates Set for State Highways and Transportation Construction Projects - August 10, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department's Division of Labor Standards announced that General Wage Order No. 55 is now in effect establishing the new prevailing wage rates for use on all Missouri State Highways and Transportation construction projects. READ MORE...

Franklin Co Contractor Found Not Paying Workers -
August 5, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department' Division of Labor Standards (DLS) conducted an investigation finding a Franklin County company, Spray Services, Inc, in violation of the state's prevailing wage law for not paying its workers the correct overtime rate. READ MORE...

Springfield Co, Watts Radiant, is among Best in Workplace Safety - July 20, 2011
The Labor Department's On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is pleased to announce that Watts Radiant of Springfield, Mo, has earned the distinction of being named the newest member of the Missouri's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). READ MORE...

Mo Labor Dept. to Honor Springfield Co with Safety Award - July 19, 2011
On July 19, the Labor Department will welcome its newest member into the SHARP. Watts Radiant of Springfield will be honored for its achievement during a ceremony at the place of business and will be presented with a Certificate of Recognition, a SHARP flag for displaying outside the facility, and a proclamation issued by Gov. Jay Nixon. READ MORE...

Bootheel Students Win by Celebrating Fair Housing -
July 15, 2011
Twelve Bootheel students were honored this week as winners of a poster and journalism contest sponsored by the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR). READ MORE...

Student Winners to Receive MCHR Awards During Bootheel Youth Service - July 12, 2011
The Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) announces winners of a poster and essay contest expressing the theme, “Fair Housing: Give Discrimination the Boot.” READ MORE...

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Approaching - July 1, 2011
On May 9, Governor Jay Nixon announced that his request for a major disaster declaration had been granted by President Barack Obama, opening the door for Missourians in the declared counties whose employment was lost or interrupted due to severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 19, 2011, to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). READ MORE...

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in 25 Mo Counties - June 22, 2011
An amendment has been made to the disaster declaration, adding Carter, Lawrence, and Wayne counties to the list of declared disaster areas. READ MORE...

Survivors of Clark Co Sheriff Deputy Receive $25K Check- June 15, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department's Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) mailed a $25,000 check to the family of Clark County Sheriff Deputy Don McCutcheon, who died in the line of duty in 2010 after suffering from a heart attack while on patrol. READ MORE...

Hickey to Serve as Work Comp Director of Labor Dept - June 15, 2011
Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Labor and Industrial Relations Commissioner John J. Hickey to serve as the Division of Workers' Compensation Director of the Missouri Department of Labor. READ MORE...

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in 22 Mo Counties - June 14, 2011
An amendment has been made to the disaster declaration, adding the Pettis County to the list of declared disaster areas. READ MORE...

Missouri Prevailing Wage Rates Set - June 3, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department announces that the state prevailing wage rates have been established and are now in effect for use on all Missouri public works constructions projects. READ MORE...

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in 21 Mo Counties - June 2, 2011
An amendment has been made to the disaster declaration, adding the following six additional counties to the list of declared disaster areas: Bollinger, Dunklin, Pemiscot, Phelps, Reynolds, and St. Francois. READ MORE...

Gov. Nixon Reserves $25 Million for Joplin Tornado Recovery - May 27, 2011
In response to the historic tornado that hit Joplin on Sunday, May 22, Gov. Jay Nixon has instructed State Budget Director Linda Luebbering to reserve $25 million from next year's budget to be used to address the immediate needs from the deadly tornado. READ MORE...

Gov. Nixon Proclaims State Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Missourians affected by Joplin Tornado - May 27, 2011
Gov. Jay Nixon has declared Sunday May 29, one week after the devastating tornado that struck Joplin, as an official State Day of Prayer and Remembrance. The United States and Missouri flags will fly at half-staff at all government buildings in Missouri throughout Sunday.  READ MORE...

Locations Est. to File Unemployment Claims for Tornado Victims - May 26, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department and the Department of Economic Development have organized three locations throughout the city of Joplin to help jobless victims file for unemployment claims and receive re-employment services. READ MORE...

Gov. Nixon to Send Top Officials to Joplin for Community Response Meeting - May 25, 2011
During this Community Response Meeting, leaders from key state agencies will provide a brief overview of services and resources their departments can offer. Members of the public will have an opportunity to visit individually with agency representatives at various stations. READ MORE...

Joplin Career Center Reopens Today with Extended Hours to Assist Disaster Victims - May 25, 2011
Department of Economic Development Director David Kerr announced that the Missouri Career Center at 730 South Wall Avenue  has reopened today to help disaster victims access unemployment insurance and reemployment assistance. READ MORE...

Four-Week Reporting Requirement for Unemployed is Temporarily Suspended in Two Counties Hard Hit by Tornadoes - May 24, 2011
Due to conditions from the recent tornado, the Missouri Department of Labor is suspending for 30 days the requirement that people receiving unemployment benefits must check in, in-person, every four-weeks to career centers in two counties in southwest Missouri.  READ MORE...

Unemployment Available to Flood, Storm, and Tornado Victims - May 23, 2011
An amendment has been made to the disaster declaration, adding the following ten additional counties to the list of declared disaster areas: Cape Girardeau, Howell, Jasper, McDonald, Newton, Pulaski, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard, and Stone. READ MORE...

Federal Disaster Assistance Extended to 10 Mo Counties Hard Hit by Severe Storms and Flooding - May 23, 2011
Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended disaster assistance to individuals and households in eight additional Missouri counties that have been hit by severe storms and flooding since April 19.  READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - May 20, 2011
School Employees Vote for Representation
Some school employees (other than teachers) voted earlier this month on whether or not they wanted to be represented by the local NEA union. READ MORE...

Labor Link May Edition - May 18, 2011
As the spring transitions into summer, Missouri undergoes a lot of changes. College grads hit the job market. Construction picks back up. And travelers and delivery drivers begin to frequent the roads, leaving the icy winter paths behind them. But before Missourians get back into the swing of things, they should be made aware of potential speed bumps along the way. Find out what the Department is doing to keep workers safe and protected. READ MORE...

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in 5 Mo Counties - May 17, 2011
On May 9, Governor Jay Nixon announced that his request for a major disaster declaration had been granted by President Barack Obama READ MORE...

MCHR Brings Expanded Fair Housing Project to Missouri Bootheel - May 17, 2011
This month the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) launches a second year of the Show-Me Fair Housing Awareness Project, a public awareness campaign aimed at educating citizens in the state's southeastern region known as the Bootheel about the protections afforded them by state and federal fair housing laws and how these protections safeguard their homes and communities. READ MORE...

Gov. Jay Nixon, Vice President Biden Tour Tornado Damage in St. Louis County - May 11, 2011
Gov. Jay Nixon traveled to St. Louis County today to tour a community that was hit hard by tornadoes last month. The Governor will meet Vice President Joe Biden at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, and then travel with the Vice President to tour storm damage in Berkeley. READ MORE...

Five Missouri Counties Receive Major Diaster Declaration; Additional County Designations Pending - May 11, 2011
President Obama grants request by Gov. Nixon in initial approval for Missouri counties hit by severe weather and flooding; declaration means federal government will provide assistance to eligible communities, families. READ MORE...

Gov. Nixon to Deploy Senior Officials for Community Response Meetings in Region Affected by Historic Flooding - May 6, 2011
Gov. Jay Nixon announced today that he is deploying senior officials from his administration and their staff to southeast Missouri next week for a series of five Community Response Meetings.  READ MORE...

Four-week Reporting Requirement for Unemployed is Temporarily Suspended in 10 Counties Hard Hit by Flooding - May 5, 2011
Due to flood conditions, the Missouri Department of Labor is suspending for 30 days the requirement that people receiving unemployment benefits must check in, in-person, every four-weeks to career centers in ten counties in southeast Missouri.  READ MORE...

Unemployment Information for Flood Victims - May 4, 2011
The Missouri Department of Labor releases the following information about unemployment insurance for those affected by flooding.  READ MORE...

Lee Schaefer Appointed New Work Comp Administrative Law Judge - May 4, 2011
The Division of Workers' Compensation announced today the appointment of Lee A. Schaefer as an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) of the Missouri Department of Labor's Division of Workers' Compensation.  READ MORE...

Dept. Honors Missouri's 2010 Fallen Workforce -
April 28, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department, along with members of the General Assembly, honored the 95 men and women who lost their lives on the job in 2010 due to work related injuries. More than 250 people from across the state came to the Capitol to commemorate loved ones at the annual Missouri Workers' Memorial Ceremony: Safe Jobs Save Lives. READ MORE...

Director's Spotlight - April 2011
How Housing Fraud Can Crush the American Dream
Home ownership is a fundamental American dream realized by many Missourians, and a goal that many others strive towards. This April, we celebrate National Fair Housing Month by educating Missourians about the dangers of predatory lending and mortgage fraud. READ MORE...

Labor Celebrates Zero Fatality Rate in Mo Mines - April 15, 2011
Every year, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Mine and Cave Safety and Health Program partners with the Missouri Mine Safety Association to recognize Missouri mining companies, smelting companies, and contracting companies, who have made a prominent effort to put safety first in the workplace.  READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - April 06, 2011
Tax Information for the Unemployed
When it comes to taxes, Unemployment Benefits are considered taxable income and benefit recipients need to make a decision when it comes to how they want to meet their tax obligation.  READ MORE...

Franklin County Co. Fails to Pay Overtime to Workers - April 4, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department's Division of Labor Standards (DLS) conducted an investigation and found a Franklin County company, Klance Staging, Inc, in violation of the state's wage law, for not paying its workers overtime.  READ MORE...

St. Louis Co., Ambassador Steel, is among Best in Workplace Safety - April 4, 2011
The Labor Dept’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is pleased to announce that Ambassador Steel of St. Louis, Mo, has earned the distinction of being named the newest member of the Missouri’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for its excellent workplace safety record, for a new total of 34 SHARP businesses in the state.  READ MORE...

Dept. Approves First Line of Duty Claims to Assist Survivors - March 17, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department's Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) mailed the first checks to families of loved ones killed in the line of duty after approving the two claims filed in 2010. READ MORE...

Labor Dept Determines 2011 Prevailing Wage Rates - March 17, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department's Division of Labor Standards today released the prevailing wage rates to be used on public works construction projects in Missouri for 2011.  READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - March 08, 2011
Recognizing Mo's Safest Workplaces
This month we take a look into Mount Vernon Co, Positronic Industries, to see what they do to keep their employees safe, healthy, and happy. The Dept's FREE safety program helps employers save lives and reduce costs! READ MORE...

Black History Month, a Time to Remember - February 22, 2011
In 1976, Pres. Gerald Ford officially designated February as Black History Month, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. READ MORE...

Labor Link February Edition - February 18, 2011
It is important for both employers and employees to understand the requirements and responsibilities surrounding the workers' compensation laws. To help educate all about the important safety net for workers who sustain a workplace injury, the Department continues to offer information and act as a resource for constituents to utilize. READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - February 14, 2011
Conditioning the Cave for Safety
Step into Missouri's largest cave and learn about the history and what the state does to ensure cave lovers are safe as they explore the Stanton, Mo treasure. The loot of Jesse James remains to be discovered! READ MORE...

Attorney General Koster reaches settlement with companies over workers' comp violations - February 4, 2011
Attorney General Chris Koster said today he has reached agreements with two companies who violated Missouri's workers' compensation law by knowingly failing to report worker injuries to the Division of Workers' Compensation within the prescribed time frame. READ MORE...

Fraud Investigations Recover $6.4M in Unemployment Benefits - January 28, 2011
Investigations conducted by the Missouri Labor Department have resulted in $6.4 million in money recovered in 2010 from individuals who have been found fraudulently receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - January 26, 2011
Dept. to Set Wage Rates
In order to determine the proper wages for public works projects by county and occupation, Div. Director Carla Buschjost relies on contractors to submit wage information. READ MORE...

Labor Dept. Investigation Leads to $1.1M in Restitution - January 25, 2011
Investigations by the Missouri Labor Department have resulted in 145 individuals pleading guilty to fraudulently receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits from the state in 2010. READ MORE...

Labor Dept. Discovers Illegal Workers on Springfield Project - January 24, 2011
The Missouri Department of Labor's Division of Labor Standards (DLS), along with the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement, initiated an investigation today, into unauthorized alien workers employed by a subcontractor to complete insulation work on a building paid for by public funds. READ MORE...

Director's Spotlight - January 2011
Worker Misclassification is Bad for Business
Under Missouri law, an employer is generally required to pay unemployment taxes, payroll taxes, and provide workers' compensation for their employees. READ MORE...

NGA names Gov. Nixon as chair of Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee for 2011 - January 21, 2011
The National Governors Association (NGA) today named Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon as the chair of its Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee (ECW). READ MORE...

Labor Link January Edition - January 19, 2011
With the arrival of a new year, we would like to offer some information to help businesses start 2011 off right. Whether starting a brand-new business or operating an existing business, starting the year out right should be a priority. READ MORE...

Department Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - January 14, 2011
Because of the efforts and sacrifices made by this legendary civil rights leader, Missourians are protected from discrimination at their workplaces, in housing, at restaurants, schools, parks, hotels, and movie theaters through the Missouri Human Rights Act. READ MORE...

Department Introduces New Deputy Director Brian May - January 13, 2011
The Missouri Labor Department recently welcomed Brian May to take the post as the Department Deputy Director as well as the acting Director of the Division of Workers Compensation. READ MORE...

Positronic Industries, Inc., is among Best in Workplace Safety - January 12, 2011
The Labor Department's On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is pleased to announce that Positronic Industries Inc., of Mt. Vernon, Mo, has earned the distinction of being named the newest member of the Missouri's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for its excellent workplace safety record, for a new total of 32 SHARP businesses in the state. READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - January 10, 2011
Phones are Busy
A message from the Department about busy Regional Claim Center Phone Lines. READ MORE...

Labor Dept. Requests Wage Information from MO Contractors - January 5, 2011
The Missouri Department of Labor's Division of Labor Standards (DLS) requests Missouri contractors and other interested parties to participate in this year's Prevailing Wage survey to establish Annual Wage Order (AWO) # 18 and determine the appropriate wages for those working on the state's public works projects. READ MORE...