On June 22nd, 2021, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the launch of an initiative promoting female workers’ employment equity. Because of systemic barriers to employment, the DOL is launching the program to gather ideas on improving employment for women. Recently, the DOL announced a proposed tipped worker rule that instructs employers on paying specific wages to a tipped worker.
Overview of the Initiative
To promote and advance female workers’ employment equity, the DOL’s Women’s Bureau partnered with other entities to build the initiative. Accordingly, the following agencies have partnered to host the online dialogue:
- Wage and Hour Division,
- Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs,
- Employment and Training Administration, and
- Office of Disability Employment Policy.
Accordingly, the agency will gather input to understand the barriers that limit the full participation of women in the workforce. The DOL also seeks to determine how to provide resources to support female workers and create a more equitable economy.
Topics Discussed
While creating the program for the dialogue, the DOL felt the following topics best promoted female workers’ employment equity:
- Ensuring equity in the American Jobs Plan.
- Promoting gender equity in the workplace.
- Ensuring equitable access to paid leave.
- Creating safe and welcoming workplaces.
- Adapting to a changing labor market.
Participating in the Program
Specifically dubbed the Women and Work: Reinvestment, Return and Recovery National Online Dialogue, interested attendees can view the sessions now. Firstly, users will need to access the platform that is hosting the session, ePolicyWorks. Once on the website, viewers will need to log in using an already established account or register a new account.
Subsequently, after logging in, users can access the session’s topics by clicking on the topic boxes highlighted on the webpage. Then, within each topic’s webpage, viewers can read the information provided and provide unique ideas and stories. Users can also read the opinions provided by other dialogue attendees.
Presently, the DOL invites any interested parties to visit the dialogue until July 9th, 2021.