Maryland Department of Labor

It is summer, which for many in Maryland means snowballs, a trip to Ocean City, and time off from school. But for many high school students summer also means a job, mentorship, exposure to careers, and a paycheck! Yesterday, Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu joined over 1,000 Montgomery County Public Schools high school rising juniors and seniors to celebrate their completion of Summer RISE (Reimagining an Innovative Student Experience), a program that Department of Labor is proud to support. Sophia, a rising junior, talked about her experience at the FDA helping to design an app to provide resources for those struggling with opioid addiction and wrote code for a self-driving car. She said the experience was really meaningful: “I truly felt the opportunity of Summer RISE would make a difference in my life. I couldn’t wait to be in my host's position in the future.” Other students talked about managing virtual reality technology for Orca Intelligence, and preserving the natural resources at Glen Echo Park. Secretary Wu joined the co-founder of Maryland-based CAVA Ted Xenohristos, and Kaiser Permanente Vice President of Community Engagement Cynthia Cifuentes-Finkel to share their experiences from their careers. They encouraged students to keep trying new things and to continue to exploring their interests in school and work.

The new monthly jobs numbers are in! Maryland added 5,600 total jobs in June, including 3,900 in the private sector, according to monthly data released by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growth rate last month was double the national rate. Through the first half of 2024, Maryland has added 27,800 total jobs and grown faster than any other state in the country. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eekMP74v

Skilled trades are critical to Maryland’s economy. Recently, Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu attended the Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association Summer Conference in Ocean City. She highlighted the importance of: ◾ Growing the skilled trades through registered apprenticeships ◾ Partnering to enforce labor and prevailing wage laws and ◾ Ensuring safe and fair workplaces with strong worker voices at the table The Department of Labor continues to promote work, wages, and wealth for all Marylanders through growing our state’s economy and protecting the wages, rights, and safety of workers throughout the state.

If you are facing financial challenges with a mortgage serviced by Select Portfolio Services, Inc. (SPS), join us for a virtual outreach event on July 18th at 6p.m.! Learn about: ◾ Bringing your mortgage current ◾ Lowering monthly payments 🔗 Register: https://lnkd.in/equza3GC 📞 Phone: (800) 717-1738 (Passcode: 94319) 📱 For assistance: Call (866) 662-0035 #ForeclosureAssistance #GetHelpNow

Did you know that Maryland is preparing to launch a new paid family and medical leave system? Starting July 1, 2026, Maryland workers will be able to take time away from work to care for themselves or a family member and still be paid up to $1000 a week for up to 12 weeks. If you’re an employer or worker and have questions about what this means for you, please join our virtual FAMLI 101 Webinar on July 24 from 2-3:30pm on Zoom to learn more and ask your questions! Visit bit.ly/FAMLIJuly2024 to RSVP! #paidleave Can’t make it on July 24? Please visit paidleave.maryland.gov to sign up for our listserv and receive future invitations!

Help shape Maryland’s paid family and medical leave program! MD Labor just released the updated draft of the program’s regulations–the rules of the road, so to speak, for collecting contributions and dispersing benefits! Visit bit.ly/FAMLIDraftRegs to read the updated draft of the regulations and submit comments to FAMLI.policy@maryland.gov by July 24. For more information visit paidleave.maryland.gov.

With record-setting temperatures that can make both outdoor and indoor work without proper air conditioning dangerous, Maryland employers and workers should take proper precautions to keep workplaces safe. A reminder of some good practices: Employers can download the free Heat Safety Tool app from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The App allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksite and, based on the heat index, understand the risk level for outdoor workers. ◾ Provide adequate water and hydration ◾ Allow for periodic rest breaks ◾ When outdoors, have shade areas available ◾ Know the signs of heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses The heat safety tool is available in English and Spanish for Android and iPhone devices. Learn more here: www.osha.gov/heat/heat-app

Big news from Frederick County! Frederick Community College now has an approved apprenticeship program for both Restaurant Manager and Hotel Manager. Since July 2018, Frederick Community College has been a registered Apprenticeship Sponsor with Maryland’s Apprenticeship Program, and this latest approval underscores their commitment to enhancing the region's hospitality and tourism industries. “By including hotel and restaurant managers in our Registered Apprenticeship program, we are not only recognizing the importance of tourism to Frederick County and Maryland but also ensuring that our local employers and hospitality professionals have the support and training they need for sustained success,” said Dr. Molly Carlson, Associate Vice President/Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. Frederick Community College,  one of the top culinary schools in the county, will provide comprehensive training related to these new programs. Video courtesy of Frederick Community College. #ApprenticeshipProgram #HospitalityIndustry #CareerDevelopment

Our Family and Medical Leave Insurance Division (FAMLI) has established close relationships with paid leave counterparts all over the country to share best practices, understand lessons learned, and ensure the most efficient use of public resources. Recently, Maryland Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Elliot Schreur joined the Center for Law and Social Policy, Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, and California Work & Family Coalition to discuss the value and future of paid leave. More information on FAMLI will be coming soon. To learn more, visit paidleave.maryland.gov

The ENOUGH Initiative, spearheaded by the Maryland Governor's Office for Children, is a transformative effort to eliminate child poverty and enhance economic mobility. The ENOUGH Grant Application Guidance is now available, providing essential resources to our communities. The Notice of Intent to Apply is due by July 19, 2024. Visit GOC.Maryland.gov for more details.