2023
When D.C. youngsters get paid to work, the entire city prospers
Courtland Milloy/The Washington Post
February 7, 2023
Kevon King is co-owner of the Village Cafe and Lab, located at Union Market in Northeast D.C. The cafe not only serves good food but buys much of its fresh produce and coffee beans locally. The lab provides space for entrepreneurs to showcase their talents — visual artists, designers and musicians, for instance — and helps them grow their businesses.
2022
December 9, 2022
Axios//
D.C. is likely to pass a law soon that would extend workplace protections to domestic workers — including nannies, gardeners, cleaners, and personal assistants.
December 7, 2022
DCist//
The D.C. Council has voted unanimously on its first vote to pass the Domestic Worker Employment Rights Amendment Act of 2022, which would extend rights and protections to more than 9,000 domestic workers – including house cleaners, nannies, and home health aides. On Tuesday, ahead of the Council’s vote on the bill, domestic workers and members of the D.C. chapter for the National Domestic Workers Alliance rallied outside of the Wilson Building.
November 29, 2022
Lexology//
D.C. Noncompete Ban, Years in the Making: On January 25, 2021, FordHarrison published a Legal Alert indicating that Washington, D.C. would soon implement a ban on noncompete agreements. As noted, the Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Amendment Act of 2020 was considered one of the most far-reaching prohibitions on noncompete agreements in the country.
November 18, 2022
Business Wire//
Northern Virginia/DC Area Selected as One of Country’s Five Apprenticeship Innovation Districts; Four-Year Program Kicked Off During National Apprenticeship Week
November 9, 2022
Mayor Bowser Press Release//
(Washington, DC) – Today, after being elected for an historic third term as the Mayor of the District of Columbia, Mayor Muriel Bowser launched together.dc.gov and called on residents to submit their big ideas for the next four years. The Mayor also encouraged Washingtonians to be a part of DC’s comeback by coming to work at DC Government. Many open positions can be found at together.dc.gov/jobs.
October 27, 2022
DC News Now//
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — As Election Day nears closer, a new report has people on both sides of ballot initiative 82 sparring.
Ballot initiative 82, or the District of Columbia Tax Credit Elimination Act of 2021, aims to gradually get rid of the tipped credit employers can take against their tipped staff. If it passes, tipped workers would make a base salary of $16.10 an hour, plus tips.
October 26, 2022
WJLA//
WASHINGTON, DC (7News) — New findings show a majority of restaurants in D.C. are failing to report their tips to the District's Department of Employment Services.
October 12, 2022
The Washington Informer//
This past summer, Marcus Williams and his brother Germaine picked up trash, installed bird boxes and painted benches at Kingman Island near the shuttered RFK Stadium in Ward 7 as part of a job they secured through the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP).
October 7, 2022
Press Release//
(Washington, DC) On Monday, October 10, 2022 the District Government will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. While some services will be affected, many District employees will continue serving to maintain essential District operations.
October 5, 2022
The Washington Post//
A former D.C. government employee was arrested this week over allegations that she embezzled money from a city program designed to help formerly incarcerated residents and others struggling with employment, the Justice Department said Tuesday. She is accused of causing more than $300,000 in losses by embezzling funds from the program — which helped her find work after she was previously sentenced to more than two years in prison for stealing federal funds while working for a Maryland school district.
October 5, 2022
The Washington City Paper//
Former D.C. Department of Employment Services employee Rhayda Barnes Thomas was arrested this week after she was indicted for embezzling up to $350,000 from D.C.’s Project Empowerment program. Barnes Thomas was a graduate of the program, which helps provide jobs for homeless people and those returning home from prison, and was later hired by the agency.
Gina Cook / NBC4
September 30, 2022
The D.C. Council passed the Universal Paid Leave Emergency Amendment Act of 2022 in July to expand the D.C. Paid Family Leave program.
Luke Lukert / WTOP
September 30, 2022
Starting Saturday, some D.C. workers could be eligible for several more weeks of family leave. Hundreds of thousands of private sector employees will get a jump from eight weeks of paid family leave to 12 weeks per year and D.C. government employees are likely to join them.
September 13, 2022
The Washington Informer//
Community members who engage in discussions about young people and violent crime often fall into two categories: those calling for more parental and community accountability and others who demand an expansion of government services and job opportunities.
August 18, 2022
JD Supra//
On July 27, 2022, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser signed into law long-debated amendments to the Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Amendment Act of 2020. The Non-Compete Clarification Amendment Act of 2022 scales back many of the broad restrictions on non-compete agreements in the original bill, the effective date of which was delayed due to business community opposition. The amended act will go into effect on October 1, 2022, barring any unlikely congressional action during the mandatory review period.
August 2, 2022
ABC News//
After a week in which eight people were killed and many more were shot, Metropolitan Police Department and other police officers participated in National Night Out events throughout D.C. The annual event, which aims to build relationships between police and community residents, happened Tuesday one night after six men were shot in Northeast Washington. One of the men died from his injuries. There were National Night Out events scheduled in all seven D.C. police districts Tuesday afternoon and evening.
July 18, 2022
National Law Review//
Washington, D.C. employers will not need to scrap all their non-compete agreements after all. On July 12, 2022, the D.C. Council (the “Council”) passed the Non-Compete Clarification Amendment Act of 2022 (B24-0256) (the “Amendment”), which among other things, tempers the District’s near-universal ban on non-compete provisions to permit restrictions for highly compensated employees.
July 11, 2022
The GW//
The George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL) hosted the 19th and 20th Annual Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Awards Gala, which was held June 30 at the University Student Center to honor outstanding D.C. government leaders and innovative teams. This combined event honored 2020 and 2021 recipients as no gala was held the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 8, 2022
WTOP//
If you’re trying to find a job, get training to advance your career or switch careers altogether, a free program in D.C. can help.
July 7, 2022
OCTO//
(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the launch of the Career Coach DC program and highlighted investments in District programs to help residents progress in their careers from internships, summer employment, to training and supports. Career Coach DC, created through a $3.4 million investment, offers career assessment, personalized coaching, and supports that connect DC residents to education, training, and employment opportunities.
July 7, 2022
WUSA9//
WASHINGTON — A nationwide cyber-attack caused delays in payment for thousands of people who live and work in the District. DC’s family leave benefit system offers six weeks of pay for medical care - eight weeks for care of a newborn.
July 7, 2022
WTOP//
D.C. residents who receive weekly Paid Family Leave benefits will see money hit their bank accounts in the next day or two after a recent cyberattack interrupted the financial flow.
July 7, 2022
Popville//
“Dear PoPville,
The DC Paid Family Leave payment portal is down (supposedly due to ransomware attack on the vendor). I’m on maternity leave now and have been awaiting a payment for over a week now. My husband is going to take time off soon and is unable to apply for benefits with the portal down as well.
July 6, 2022
WTOP//
Maryland, Virginia and D.C. use the same software company for some of its services related to unemployment benefits, and a recent cyberattack is creating an impact on people who rely on it.
June 30, 2022
WHUR 96.3//
Minimum wage workers in the District of Columbia will soon see a pay raise.
According to the office of wage management compliance, “Beginning July 1, 2022, the minimum wage in the District of Columbia will increase from $15.20 per hour to $16.10 per hour for all workers, regardless of the size of the employer.
June 30, 2022
WJLA//
WASHINGTON, DC (7News) — D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Wednesday that effective July 1, 2022, the District’s minimum wage will increase from $15.20 to $16.10 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.35 for tipped employees.
June 29, 2022
WUSA9//
The current minimum wage is $15.20 in D.C. and on July 1, it will raise to $16.10. For tipped employees, wages will increase to $5.35.
June 29, 2022
Fox 5 DC//
Effective Friday, July 1, the District's minimum wage will increase from $15.50 to $16.10 per hour for all non-tipped workers, regardless of the size of the employer. The minimum wage for tipped employees will be increased from $5.05 per hour to $5.35 per hour.
June 17, 2022
The White House News Brief//
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration held an event to launch the Talent Pipeline Challenge, a program to help employers build education and training partnerships to connect American workers to good jobs rebuilding our infrastructure, supply chains, and manufacturing. The Vice President, First Lady, Cabinet Members, and senior administration officials are working to bring major employers, trade associations, training providers, union leaders, and state and local governments together to create good-paying jobs for a diverse group of workers.
June 17, 2022
Afro News//
JPMorgan Chase recently announced a new $20 million commitment over five years to support summer youth employment programs across the country, two of which are located in the DMV area. This new effort expands on the firm’s previous summer youth employment investments.
June 16, 2022
EIN News//
(Washington, DC) – Today, the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) hosted the first of two First Source hiring events at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for District residents. The first hiring event today focused on construction industry opportunities, while tomorrow’s event is for non-construction industry positions. Tomorrow’s event will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and residents can register online.
June 16, 2022
EIN News//
(Washington, DC) – Today, the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) hosted the first of two First Source hiring events at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for District residents. The first hiring event today focused on construction industry opportunities, while tomorrow’s event is for non-construction industry positions. Tomorrow’s event will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and residents can register online.
May 12, 2022
Press Release//
(Washington, DC) Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) announced that the District is seeking DC residents for referral to work at the upcoming SOMETHING IN THE WATER FESTIVAL, taking place June 17-19. In April, the founder of the festival, Pharrell Williams announced with Mayor Muriel Bowser that the annual 3-day concert will be held in the District from June 17-19 on Independence Avenue, SW. Residents interested in working the festival are encouraged to apply at does.dc.gov.
May 12, 2022
WUSA9//
WASHINGTON — On Thursday, Mayor Bowser alongside the Department of Employment Services came out with a press release encouraging D.C. residents to apply for jobs for the Something in the Water Festival. The festival is scheduled to be held in D.C. for the Juneteenth weekend.
May 12, 2022
Fox 5 DC//
WASHINGTON - Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) announced Thursday that the District is looking for D.C. residents to work at the upcoming Something in the Water Festival, taking place June 17-19.
May 12, 2022
WUSA9//
On Thursday, Mayor Bowser alongside the Department of Employment Services came out with a press release encouraging D.C. residents to apply for jobs for the Something in the Water Festival. The festival is scheduled to be held in D.C. for the Juneteenth weekend.
May 12, 2022
Fox5//
WASHINGTON - Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) announced Thursday that the District is looking for D.C. residents to work at the upcoming Something in the Water Festival, taking place June 17-19.
May 11, 2022
The DCist//
At one point, in hopes of finding a more sustainable job, White turned to D.C.’s workforce development and employment system. She knew she wanted to be a social worker, and was hoping she could find work at a drop-in center. D.C.’s Department of Employment Services (DOES) and Department of Human Services (DHS) provide a host of workforce development and readiness programs aimed at preparing D.C. residents for the job market and training them for new careers.
May 3, 2022
The DCist//
The issue stems from the back-and-forth over Initiative 77, a 2018 ballot measure to eliminate the tipped minimum wage, which is currently $5.35 per hour. The initiative was approved by voters, then repealed by the D.C. Council, and replaced with a different piece of legislation intended to assuage concerns from Initiative 77 advocates and prevent wage theft: the Tipped Wage Workers Fairness Amendment Act of 2018. Among other things, the law requires payroll companies to report certain wage data to the Department of Employment Services on a quarterly basis, aimed to help the agency spot employers who fail to make up the difference if a worker’s tips plus their base pay (or tipped minimum wage) don’t add up to the full minimum wage, which is currently set at $16.10 per hour.
May 3, 2022
[VIDEO]//
The Bowser Administration and District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) announced the start of 2022 DC Youth Apprenticeship Awareness Week.
May 2, 2022
Mayor Bowser Press Release//
(Washington, DC) Today, Mayor Bowser and DC Health announced the formation of a new Healthcare Workforce Task Force charged with rebuilding, strengthening, and expanding the District’s healthcare workforce. The Task Force includes thought leaders from the healthcare, education, and government sectors and will be co-chaired by Dr. Wayne Fredrick, President of Howard University, and Ms. Anita Jenkins, CEO of Howard University Hospital.
May 2, 2022
EIN News//
DC) – Today, the Bowser Administration and District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) announced the start of 2022 DC Youth Apprenticeship Awareness Week. The week of events will begin with Apprenticeship Signing Day, on Monday, May 2 at 1:00 p.m. Signing Day introduces District youth to available apprenticeship opportunities and encourages employers to offer the prospective apprentices signed letters of intent to hire.
April 25, 2022
The DC Line//
Flo White thought she had it all figured out: go to college part time while working two jobs to pay the rent on her new apartment.
And for a while, it went well. For the first time ever, White felt as though her life was going according to plan. She found an apartment and a roommate and signed a lease. But her part-time jobs were only paying her $12 and $13 an hour. And working them while taking classes proved overwhelming.
April 22, 2022
Street Sense//
At one point, in hopes of finding a more sustainable job, White turned to D.C.’s workforce development and employment system. She knew she wanted to be a social worker, and was hoping she could find work at a drop-in center. D.C.’s Department of Employment Services (DOES) and Department of Human Services (DHS) provide a host of workforce development and readiness programs aimed at preparing D.C. residents for the job market and training them for new careers. But White couldn’t find anything that would prepare her for her preferred field, so she instead took on odd jobs and worked in restaurants, often making minimum wage. Her dream of being a social worker was still as far away as it had ever been. It was only when she connected with D.C. nonprofit Sasha Bruce Youthwork that she made a living wage (in D.C. at least $20.65 an hour for someone without children) with benefits for the first time.
March 30, 2022
Street Sense//
For the past two years, D.C.’s Department of Employment Services, has been a focal point of the District’s pandemic response.
D.C. workers who lost their jobs during COVID-19 turned to the agency, known as DOES, for help in the form of unemployment benefits. By most accounts, these workers encountered an agency that wasn’t prepared to handle the unprecedented influx of claims, contributing to 12-hour wait times and conflicting guidance. By October 2020, some workers who first applied for unemployment in March still had not received benefits, Street Sense Media reported at the time.
March 22, 2022
The Washington City Paper//
Backers of D.C.’s paid family leave program announced with great fanfare a few weeks back that workers would be eligible for more benefits as soon as this summer. But all that could be on hold, if Mayor Muriel Bowser gets her way.
March 11, 2022
WTOP//
Getting more D.C. residents in local jobs with paid training is the aim of several new grants announced by Mayor Muriel Bowser on Thursday afternoon.
March 9, 2022
Press Release//
(Washington, DC) – On Thursday, March 10, at 11 am, Mayor Muriel Bowser invites residents and community partners to join her at the DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) as she announces investments in employer-led jobs training programs and career coaches for DC residents.
March 2, 2022
The Washington Post//
Private-sector workers in D.C. will be able to take up to 12 weeks of leave per year in a dramatic expansion of the city’s paid-leave system, the city’s chief financial officer said Monday, since the program has cost less than previously forecast and has excess funds.
March 2, 2022
The Washington Post//
The U.S. Department of Labor is planning to roll out millions in funding to promote equity in unemployment insurance programs — and the District and Virginia will be two of the first to benefit.
February 23, 2022
WUSA9//
WASHINGTON — It's still February, but it's never too soon to start thinking about summer, and specifically summer jobs.
The deadline to apply for the 2022 Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program is Monday, February 28, according to the D.C. Department of Employment Services.
February 16, 2022
The Washington City Paper//
Recent spikes in carjackings and other crimes throughout the District have a top word-association winner: youth employment. From the Office of the Attorney General to the Department of Employment Services, some D.C. agencies’ performance and role in curbing public safety issues have become increasingly linked to the degree with which they account, advocate, or provide for youth employment opportunities.
February 16, 2022
The DCist//
The D.C. Department of Employment Services will create a program offering paid internships and apprenticeships to keep young people out of trouble. [City Paper]
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