Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

March Labor Link - March 15, 2013
A Salute to Missouri Women!
In 1987, March was designated as Women's History Month to celebrate the achievements and contributions that women have made to the country. This issue highlights several women who paved the way in the Missouri Labor Department. Read more...

Missouri On-site Safety and Health Consultation Program Takes "Hazard Lab" on the Road - March 14, 2013
The Missouri Safety and Health Consultation Program wanted to educate small employers and workers about identifying safety and health hazards in the workplace. The idea was to develop a "Hazard Lab," where actual hazards would be put on display and attendees of the training would be invited to walk through the lab to identify them. Read more...

March Diversity Spotlight: Women's History - March 1, 2013
The National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress in 1987 to expand the observance of “Women’s History Week” as established in 1981 to include the entire month of March. Read more...

February Labor Link - February 15, 2013
Tax Season!
This issue highlights how to make submitting unemployment insurance benefits tax forms easier, keep unemployment tax rates low for businesses, and keep workers’ compensation rates low while making sure your employees are safe. Read more...

February Diversity Spotlight - February 4, 2013
Black History Month
This year’s theme is At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington. READ MORE...

January 2013 Labor Link - January 17, 2013
What's NEW in 2013?
As the New Year gets underway, the Department is putting new programs and services into action to help meet the needs of Missouri’s workforce. This issue highlights the new minimum wage law, a new online wage survey, and a new intensive reemployment program. Read more...

MLK Commission to Honor Human Rights Executive Director - January 11, 2013
Dr. Alisa Warren, Executive Director of the Commission on Human Rights of the Missouri Department of Labor, will receive the 2013 Humanitarian Award from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission. Read more...

New! Online Survey - January 9, 2013
We made submitting the wage survey, used to determine the prevailing wage rates, faster and easier. Submit your survey online...

January Diversity Spotlight - January 2013
A Dream that Continues Today
In January, our nation recognizes the birthday of one of the most visible advocates of nonviolent direct action for social change, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Read more...

December 2012 Labor Link - December 18, 2012
A Resolution for Efficiency
This issue highlights ways to make processes more efficient in regard to addressing fair housing, building accessibility requirements, and how to make receiving labor news even easier! Read more...

Labor Talk Vlog - December 7, 2012
Holiday Work While Claiming Unemployment
Many stores and businesses are looking for some extra help during the season. If you're unemployed, this is your opportunity to make a good impression in hopes to turn that short-term position into a full-time one even after the holidays. Watch...

Labor Talk Vlog - November 29, 2012
Working During the Holidays
Tis the season for holiday employment! Tune in and receive some tips on what you should know before getting a job during the holidays. Watch...

Rapid Response Team activated to assist displaced St. Louis workers - November 27, 2012
The State Rapid Response Team has been activated to assist employees in the St. Louis-metro area who are facing displacement due to the closure of Hostess’ operations in the U.S. Read more...

November 2012 Labor Link - November 15, 2012
A Tribute to the Original Missourians
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it is important to pay tribute to those who helped create many of the industrial foundations we know today. From mining to farming, we celebrate Missouri’s Native American heritage! Read more...

Gov. Nixon encourages Missourians to honor those who served in nation's military this Veterans Day
- November 9, 2012
With Veterans Day this Sunday (Nov. 11), Gov. Jay Nixon today encouraged Missourians to give renewed honor and respect to the men and women who have served in our nation's military. Read more...

November Diversity Spotlight - November 2012
Celebrating the First Missourians
During Native American Heritage Month, we pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans, the first Americans. Read more...

November Director Spotlight - November 2012
Voting Laws
With the 2012 election just around the corner, it's important to stop and recognize the privilege we have as Americans to voice our opinions and vote in public elections. Read more...

Missouri Unemployment Insurance Fraud - October 29, 2012
Get clued in on what is considered unemployment fraud and what the consequences may be when caught. Watch...

October 2012 Labor Link - October 15, 2012
Prevention Works!
There are many health and safety risks that present themselves at inopportune times in our lives that can affect us at home and work. Read more...

Unemployment Insurance Fraud - October 10, 2012
Get clued in on what is considered fraud and learn how to report it. Watch...

Missouri Announces Winners of the 30th Annual Mine Rescue Contest - October 5, 2012
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...

October 2012 Diversity Spotlight: National Disability Employment Awareness Month - October 1, 2012
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...

Farm Injury Prevention - September 20, 2012
From bug bites and stings to broken bones and cuts, a farmer needs to be ready for anything on the farm. We spoke with safety consultant Les Thomas about tips on how to stay safe and prepared while working on the farm. Watch...

September 2012 Labor Link - September 14, 2012
Training for Excellence!
As with spring cleaning, fall offers a “reset” button for everyone to make changes at work and at home. This issue highlights various training opportunities available through the Department to “refresh” you and your staff’s knowledge about each other, leadership, and safety. Read more...

Labor Talk Podcast - September 13, 2012
Grain Bin Safety
Grain handling and storage plays a very important role in Missouri farming. But working in grain bins can also be very dangerous. We visited with Ron Hayes who lost his son in a grain bin accident in 1993. Hayes started the F.I.G.H.T. Project to share his story in hopes to educate farmers and future generations about the hazards when working with grain. Watch...

Labor Talk Podcast - September 7, 2012
Keeping Kids Safe on the Farm
After Marilyn Adams lost her son in a gravity flow wagon accident in the late 80's, she started an educational and awareness program called Farm Safety 4 Just Kids in hopes to save the lives of other kids on the farm. We visited with one outreach coordinator to learn more about the organization. Watch...

September 2012 Diversity Spotlight: Hispanic Heritage Month - September 2012
The contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans are recognized annually in the United States during National Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15. Read more...

House Bill 136 - 1 Year Later - September 4, 2012
It's been 1 year since House Bill 136 passed 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. Learn more about House Bill 136. Watch video...

Labor Day: A Tribute to Missouri's Leadership in Worker Protection - August 28, 2012
Labor Day was the creation of the labor movement and it is dedicated to honoring the social and economic achievements of the American worker. Read more...

Labor Talk Podcast - August 27, 2012
Keeping Cool When It's Hot Hot Hot
Tractors, utility vehicles, and other large machinery are used every day on farms throughout the state of Missouri. But before you head out on your tractor or ATV you should listen to one Missouri farmer's story about farm safety. Watch...

Nutra Blend Co. is among Best in Workplace Safety - August 21, 2012
The Labor Dept's On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is pleased to announce that Nutra Blend of Neosho, Mo., has earned the distinction of being named the newest member of the Missouri's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Read more...

Labor Talk Podcast - August 17, 2012
FarmSafety: Tractors & ATVs
Tractors, utility vehicles, and other large machinery are used every day on farms throughout the state of Missouri. But before you head out on your tractor or ATV you should listen to one Missouri farmer's story about farm safety. Watch...

Prevailing Wage Rates Set for Missouri State Highways and Transportation Construction Projects  - August 17, 2012
The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Division of Labor Standards has established prevailing wage rates for use on all Missouri state highways and transportation construction projects. Read more...

August 2012 Labor Link - August 7, 2012
Dog Days of Summer!
Missouri is known for having unpredictable weather, and this year isn't any different. With high temperatures and drought conditions affecting most of the state, this issue highlights several creative ways to stay cool this summer. Read more...

August 2012 Diversity Spotlight: Women's Equality Day - August 7, 2012
Each year America celebrates Women's Equality Day to commemorate the certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution on August 26, 1920, granting women the right to vote after nearly 100 years of struggle. Read more...

Missouri Prevailing Wage Rates Set - July 30, 2012
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...

Youth Artists and Authors Awarded Prizes in Fair Housing Contest - July 19, 2012
This week, Bootheel-area students were named winners of a poster and journalism contest sponsored by the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) aimed at teaching youth about fair housing. Read more...

July 2012 Labor Link - July 18, 2012
The Spirit of Competition!
In honor of the Fourth of July, the All-Star celebration in Kansas City, and the start of the 2012 Olympics, this issue highlights different aspects of competition and those who exemplify it in Labor. Read more...

July 2012 Diversity Spotlight: All People/Freedom (July 4th) - July 2, 2012
The month of July marks the birthday of our nation and is a time to celebrate the rights and liberties enjoyed by all people of this great land. Read more...

June 2012 Labor Link - June 15, 2012
Salute to Tradition!
From state fairs to men and women in uniform, this issue aims to pay tribute to Flag Day by highlighting workers and events that make Missouri the great state that it is. Read more...

Kansas City Ironworker Contest Taking Program to New Heights - June 15, 2012
Missouri's Registered Apprenticeship Programs provide unique opportunities for people to learn valuable trade skills while earning an income. We traveled to Kansas City to watch the annual Ironworkers Apprenticeship Contest this past week, where they are taking the program to new heights. Watch...

Labor Talk Podcast - June 8, 2012
Summer Ooh's and Ahh's
With summer heating up, what better activity for the family than to visit one of the fabulous show caves here in Missouri? With consistently cool temperatures and tons of amenities available, planning a day of family fun just got easier. Watch...

June 2012 Diversity Spotlight: Juneteenth
- June 1, 2012
The cessation of slavery in the United States is observed on June 19th, or Juneteenth.  The observance of Juneteenth had its beginnings in 1865 Galveston, Texas with the arrival of Union soldiers armed with the good news of freedom. Read more...

Labor Talk Podcast - May 24, 2012
Summer Work for Youth
As the weather heats up, many students will transition from school work to summer work. Parents, kids, and employers need to know the laws surrounding youth in the workplace before the job starts. Watch...

Hy-Vee Violates Child Labor Law, Fined $3,200 - May 14, 2012
After receiving a complaint, the Missouri Labor Department conducted an investigation and found Hy-Vee, Inc., of Independence, in violation of the Missouri child labor law. READ MORE...

Altenburg Hardwood Lumber Company is among Best in Workplace Safety - May 11, 2012
The Labor Department's On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is pleased to announce that Altenburg Hardwood Lumber Company has earned the distinction of being named the newest member of the Missouri's SHARP program. READ MORE...

May 2012 Diversity Spotlight: Older Americans Month
Never Too Old to Play is the theme for this year's Older Americans Month, previously known as "Senior Citizens Month," established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy. READ MORE...

Labor Talk Podcast - April 26, 2012
Fair Housing Month 2012
Labor Talk hits the road this week to visit the Mizzou School of Law in Columbia to discuss housing rights and commemorate National Fair Housing Awareness Month. Watch...

Stable Economy Ends Federal Program
Due to a steadily declining unemployment rate, beginning April 7, 2012, Missouri no longer meets the criteria to operate the state Extended Benefit (EB) unemployment program, affecting the 9,000 of the 112,000 Missourians currently receiving unemployment. Read more...

April 2012 Diversity Spotlight: Fair Housing Month
April is Fair Housing Month, and each year we commemorate the 1968 passage of the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing. Read more...

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...