/news-rss?filter=labor MO.gov News Feed: Department of Labor & Industrial Relations Sat, 27 Apr 2024 01:51:48 +0000 en-us https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/missouri-department-labor-remembers-fallen-workers-state-capitol-ceremony 32056 at https://labor.mo.gov Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:05:37 +0000 Missouri Department of Labor Remembers Fallen Workers at State Capitol Ceremony nomland Fri, 04/26/2024 - 10:05 April 26, 2024 Jefferson City, MO - The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) held its annual Workers’ Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, April 26, at the Missouri State Capitol. The solemn event honors Missouri workers who lost their lives due to work-related injuries or illnesses in 2023.“Workers’ Memorial Day is a day to remember the sacrifices made by Missourians who dedicated their lives to the workforce,” said Missouri Department of Labor Director Anna Hui. “This ceremony allows us to honor their memory and renew our unwavering commitment to ensuring safe and healthy workplaces for all Missourians.”The ceremony featured remarks from Director Hui, Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten and other distinguished guests. The Boone County Fire District Pipes & Drums perform during the event, including a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Caroline Coulter, General Counsel of the Office of Administration, performed vocals during the event with accompaniment by Randy Wright of Governor Parson’s office.“My hope is that this memorial goes beyond being a tribute to those who lost their lives as they labored at their jobs,” Director Karsten said. “Let it remind the public of the risks civil servants and others face as they patrol our streets, respond to fires, emergencies and service calls, build and repair highways and infrastructure, and contribute to our economy in many other worthy pursuits. And may it also motivate all of us to change behaviors that put any worker at risk.”  Family members of fallen workers were invited to attend and were presented with a proclamation signed by Governor Mike Parson, a United States flag, and a flowering dogwood tree seedling courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation.“Our Division of Workers’ Compensation and Division of Labor Standards encourages all Missourians to join us in honoring these fallen workers,” said Director Hui. “Their absence leaves a void, but their memory serves as a constant reminder of the importance of workplace safety.”### Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/thermal-engineering-internationals-joplin-facility-earns-sharp-award-workplace 32031 at https://labor.mo.gov Wed, 17 Apr 2024 13:39:23 +0000 Thermal Engineering International’s Joplin Facility Earns SHARP Award for Workplace Safety Excellence nomland Wed, 04/17/2024 - 13:39 April 17, 2024 Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced today that Thermal Engineering International’s (TEi) Joplin manufacturing facility has been awarded the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) designation. The SHARP program recognizes small businesses with exemplary safety and health management systems.“This recognition is a tremendous honor for our Joplin team,” said Ken Murakoshi, President and CEO at Thermal Engineering International. “Their commitment to safety is paramount, and achieving SHARP status reflects their dedication to creating a work environment that prioritizes the well-being of our team.”To qualify for SHARP, TEi’s Joplin facility underwent a comprehensive review by the Missouri Department of Labor. This evaluation included a workplace hazard assessment, a review of the company’s safety and health program, and a demonstration of worker involvement in safety initiatives. By meeting these rigorous standards, TEi has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to fostering a safe and healthy work environment.“SHARP certification signifies a company’s proactive approach to workplace safety,” said Anna Hui, Director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “TEi’s Joplin facility serves as a model for other businesses in the state, and we commend their dedication to worker safety.”### Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/2024-lunar-new-year-celebration-hosted-missouri-state-capitol 31871 at https://labor.mo.gov Thu, 08 Feb 2024 13:53:44 +0000 2024 Lunar New Year Celebration Hosted at Missouri State Capitol nomland Thu, 02/08/2024 - 13:53 February 8, 2024 Jefferson City, MO — Office of Administration Commissioner Ken Zellers and Department of Labor & Industrial Relations Director Anna Hui hosted a celebration of the Lunar New Year at the Missouri State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 7.The celebration included a traditional lion dance by students from the St. Louis Chinese Language School and performances by Columbia Chinese School, St. Louis Modern Chinese School, and Chinese Culture Education and Services. Following the performances, the final pieces of a traditional Duì Lián, or couplet, were hung around the Governor’s Office doors, with Commissioner Zellers and Director Hui participating in a banner-hanging ceremony the night of the celebration. The Lunar New Year, which according to Chinese history has been celebrated for over 4,000 years, is the most celebrated Asian cultural festival in the world. The first day of the 2024 Lunar New Year is Feb. 10, initiating the Year of the Dragon.“The Lunar New Year is a special time for my family and me,” Director Hui said. “I appreciate the enthusiasm that state officials have shown in joining this heritage celebration in our state. With more than 160,000 Missourians identifying as being of Asian descent, it’s important to highlight and share the traditions and cultures of these communities.” Photos of the performances and event are available on the Lunar New Year album on Flickr. A video featuring cultural performances and interviews with community leaders will go live the week of February 12. To view the video once it’s live and to learn more about Lunar New Year traditions in Missouri, visit https://labor.mo.gov/lunar-new-year.### Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/storms-may-impact-response-time 31066 at https://labor.mo.gov Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:03:49 +0000 Storms May Impact Response Time nomland Mon, 01/22/2024 - 08:03 January 22, 2024 Jefferson City, MO – Due to a statewide Hazardous Travel Advisory, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is notifying Missourians that responses to phone calls and emails on Monday, Jan. 22, will occur as quickly as possible. As Monday is the highest volume call day for unemployment insurance benefit calls, the department asks for callers to be patient as we work to answer all inquiries. ### Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/tax-form-1099-g-available-online-individuals-who-received-unemployment-1 31046 at https://labor.mo.gov Fri, 12 Jan 2024 09:43:57 +0000 Tax Form 1099-G Available Online for Individuals Who Received Unemployment Benefits from Missouri in 2023 nomland Fri, 01/12/2024 - 09:43 January 16, 2024 Jefferson City – Individuals who received unemployment benefits from the State of Missouri in calendar year 2023 can now view, print and download their 1099-G tax form online at uinteract.labor.mo.gov. Form 1099-G details all unemployment insurance benefits an individual received during the calendar year as well as information about taxes withheld from their benefits. It is important to note that both state and federal unemployment insurance benefit payments are taxable and the total will be included on Form 1099-G. This information must be reported each year for tax purposes. Form 1099-G is also available for calendar years 2016-2022. From the UInteract home screen, an individual can select the “View and Print 1099" tab and then select the year to view and print that year’s 1099-G tax form. The Missouri Division of Employment Security will mail FORM 1099-G no later than January 31, 2024. To access UInteract and retrieve the 1099-G online, users will need an account user id and password. If one has not been created, a new account can be created online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at uinteract.labor.mo.gov. If an individual has elected to go paperless, a 1099-G WILL NOT be mailed. Updates to individuals’ mailing addresses can also be made online at uinteract.labor.mo.gov. For more information, read the frequently asked questions on the 1099-G tax form. ### Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/minimum-wage-rate-set-private-employers-2024-0 30866 at https://labor.mo.gov Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:40:04 +0000 Minimum Wage Rate Set for Private Employers for 2024 nomland Tue, 11/21/2023 - 15:40 November 21, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announces the state minimum wage rate for 2024 has been established, according to state law, at $12.30 per hour, effective January 1, 2024. Pursuant to Proposition B, which was approved by Missouri voters on November 6, 2018, the minimum wage increased 85 cents per hour each year through 2023. Starting on January 1, 2024, the minimum wage may increase or decrease each year depending on cost-of-living changes reflected in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. At a minimum, all private businesses are required to pay the $12.30 hourly rate, except retail and service businesses whose gross annual sales are less than $500,000. Missouri's minimum wage law does not apply to public employers, nor does it allow the state's minimum wage rate to be lower than the federal minimum wage rate. Compensation for tipped employees must also total at least $12.30 per hour. Employers are required to pay tipped employees at least 50 percent of the minimum wage, plus any amount necessary to bring the employee’s total compensation to a minimum of $12.30 per hour. To learn more about the minimum wage and to download a copy of the updated poster, visit labor.mo.gov/dls/minimum-wage. Additionally, a printable version of the poster along with other required posters for businesses can be found at labor.mo.gov/posters. ### Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/missouri-department-labor-sets-2024-unemployment-insurance-contribution-rate 30816 at https://labor.mo.gov Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:05:01 +0000 Missouri Department of Labor Sets 2024 Unemployment Insurance Contribution Rate and Workers’ Compensation Rates, Per State Law nomland Tue, 10/31/2023 - 11:05 October 31, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY – As required by state law, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has set certain business tax rates for the upcoming 2024 calendar year. Division of Employment Security The Missouri Division of Employment Security has calculated the 2024 Contribution Rate Adjustment (CRA) for CY2024, which will be set at a 12% reduction for the year. A contribution rate adjustment is a percentage increase or decrease to the tax rate that is based on the average cash balance of the Unemployment Trust Fund. Rates may be increased by 10%, 20% or 30%, or reduced by 7% or 12%. Per statute, any employer whose calculated rate is 6% or greater will receive a 10% CRA reduction. The taxable wage base for CY2024 will be $10,000, a reduction of $500 from CY2023. The UI program is a joint state-federal program funded solely through tax contributions paid by employers, so no deductions are made from employees’ paychecks for this insurance. Payments of benefits under the regular UI program are made from the UTF to eligible claimants and are funded by contributions made by employers. Information about the funding streams for the state’s Unemployment Insurance program is available here: https://labor.mo.gov/des/employers/tax-rates. Division of Workers’ Compensation The Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation has notified stakeholders of the CY2024 Workers’ Compensation Administrative Tax and Surcharge, Second Injury Fund (SIF) Surcharge and SIF Supplemental Surcharge. These rates remain unchanged from CY2023. The State of Missouri assesses a workers’ compensation administrative tax and surcharge (on the deductible portion of the policy) to maintain the fiscal integrity of the Workers’ Compensation Administrative Fund. The revenue funds expenses of administering the state’s workers’ compensation programs. State law authorizes the imposition of a SIF surcharge as well as a SIF supplemental surcharge. The rates for each tax and surcharge for 2023 and 2024, as well as the maximum rates allowable by law, are listed below: Rate Type 2023 2024 Maximum allowable WC Administrative Tax and Surcharge 1.5% 1.5% 2.0% SIF Surcharge 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% SIF Supplemental 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% ### Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/missouri-labor-director-rep-boggs-commemorate-labor-day-visit-kemin 30631 at https://labor.mo.gov Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:36:57 +0000 Missouri Labor Director, Rep. Boggs Commemorate Labor Day with Visit to Kemin Nutrisurance nomland Wed, 08/30/2023 - 14:36 August 31, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Missouri has celebrated Labor Day for over 100 years by recognizing the contributions made by working men and women to our state and local communities. In honor of this year’s Labor Day, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) Director Anna Hui and Missouri Rep. Mitch Boggs traveled to Verona to congratulate the employees and leadership of Kemin Nutrisurance for marking the milestone of three consecutive years without a workplace injury. "In Verona, and at all of our global locations, safety is paramount to Kemin and one of our core company values. Celebrating three years of exceptional workplace safety here is a significant milestone,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Kemin Industries. “For nearly two decades, our team members in Southwest Missouri have successfully grown manufacturing capabilities for our pet food business. We’re proud of our team here and look forward to growing our presence in Verona as we continue our partnership with the great people of Missouri.” Kemin Nutrisurance, a global business unit of ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries, provides industry-leading solutions for pet food manufacturers, renderers, and ingredient suppliers in oxidation control, palatability, food safety, and health and nutrition. Nearly 80 employees at Kemin’s Verona facility focus on creating specialized products that address palatability and nutrition in the pet food industry. In 1996, Kemin was honored with the prestigious Safety and Health Achievement Recognition (SHARP) award for its workplace safety and health accomplishments. SHARP is an exemplary program available for small employers who participate in the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Program and meet a set of high safety standards. Award recipients may bypass OSHA inspections for one to three years, experience lower insurance rates and out-of-pocket expenses, and decrease workplace injuries. There are currently 31 SHARP recipients across Missouri. “We want to work in partnership with businesses and employees to promote effective workplace safety and health programs,” said Director Hui. “Employees and employers who are uninformed about safety hazards may cause increased workplace accidents and illnesses. Working better together, we can foster an environment for businesses to come to Missouri and prosper while creating a safe working environment where employees can thrive.” In addition to Kemin’s strong commitment to safety, the company recently completed a $70 million, 38,000-square-foot facility expansion in Verona for its Proteus line of clean-label functional proteins used to increase yield and enhance the quality of meat and poultry products within the consumer food industry. The latest Kemin expansion brings nearly 30 new jobs to Verona. “Ensuring that our workplaces are safe and that workers are informed in matters of health and safety is vital to the continued success of Missouri’s businesses,” Rep. Boggs said, who represents Lawrence County. “Kemin Industries is a valuable part of the community and their cooperation in these matters is to be commended.” To learn more about workplace safety or to schedule a no-cost, confidential safety consultation, visit us at www.labor.mo.gov/dls.   About Kemin Industries Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textile, biofuel and animal vaccine industries. For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products. Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 3,000 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.   Kemin Media Contact: Lauren M.G. Burt, Head of Worldwide Communications lauren.burt@kemin.com +1 (515) 249-4219 Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/missouri-department-labor-announces-summer-safety-initiatives 30291 at https://labor.mo.gov Thu, 08 Jun 2023 14:06:39 +0000 Missouri Department of Labor Announces Summer Safety Initiatives nomland Thu, 06/08/2023 - 14:06 June 8, 2023 Recognizing June as National Safety Month, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) is participating in the nationwide campaign led by the National Safety Council (NSC) to raise awareness of some of the top safety hazards that cause injury both on and off the job. The NSC has identified four safety topics to highlight for this year’s celebration of National Safety Month. This year’s areas of focus include emergency preparedness, slips/trips/falls, heat-related illness, and hazard recognition. Follow DOLIR on social media for tips on these very important safety topics with the hashtag #NSM. Summer is also a particularly busy time of year for Missouri farmers. Safety information specific to the agricultural industry is available on the Show-Me Farm Safety website. The website also links to a free online youth farm safety curriculum produced by Purdue University called “Gearing Up for Safety”.  The curriculum covers a wide variety of farm safety topics, including tractor safety, grain bin safety, and working with animals. Students will meet the HOOA certification for youth ages 14-15 to perform certain hazardous agriculture tasks for hire. DOLIR not only oversees safety in the workplace but is tasked with enforcing Missouri’s youth employment laws. Every year, young people lose their lives on the job or suffer serious, disabling injuries. During the summer months, many youth work a summer job or look for their first job. According to state law, certain limits exist for youth 14-15 years old related to number of hours and types of acceptable work. This Toolbox Talk can help keep our youth safe on the job with helpful tips for employers, parents, and school officials. “National Safety Month provides a focus on preventing accidents that can lead to injury or even death,” said department director Anna Hui. “We are excited to partner with the National Safety Council to improve the safety environment for Missourians, especially our young people, and encourage those in hazardous jobs to learn more about preventing accidents from the resources we provide.” To learn more about how the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations can help keep workers safe this summer, please visit the department’s Safe at Work website. ### Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/missouri-department-labor-presents-mcclain-forest-products-third-prestigious 30156 at https://labor.mo.gov Wed, 10 May 2023 14:40:10 +0000 Missouri Department of Labor Presents McClain Forest Products with Third Prestigious SHARP Award for Workplace Safety nomland Wed, 05/10/2023 - 14:40 May 11, 2023 Raymondville, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program announced the Raymondville, Missouri, facility of McClain Forest Products LLC as the newest member of the state’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). This marks the third McClain Forest Products facility to become a SHARP member. “SHARP is dedicated to promoting a culture of safety for workers at Missouri businesses,” said Anna Hui, Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “For a third time, we congratulate the team at McClain Forest Products for achieving their workplace safety goals, and to the Raymondville facility in joining an elite group of Missouri businesses that includes their Van Buren and Alton locations.” The company, a leading supplier of kiln dried hardwood lumber and flooring products, was honored for its achievement during a ceremony on May 11, at its place of business in Raymondville. Officials from the Missouri Department of Labor attended the event to present McClain Forest Products a SHARP flag and a certificate of recognition issued by Governor Michael L. Parson. Free On-Site Safety and Health Consultations are provided to businesses at their request. Businesses that participate in the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program may be eligible to become a SHARP member. SHARP members have lower workers’ compensation insurance premiums and are exempt from Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspections for a period of time. In federal fiscal year 2022, the safety program corrected conditions at participating businesses that could have resulted in more than $14.5 million in OSHA fines. In addition, 3,217 workplace hazards were remedied. For more information about SHARP or to request a free safety and health consultation, visit safeatwork.mo.gov or call 573-522-SAFE. ### Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov