82 FR 55397 - Request for Comments on Labor Capacity-Building Efforts Under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Office of the Secretary Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 223 (November 21, 2017)
Office of the Secretary
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 223 (November 21, 2017)
| Page Range | 55397-55399 | |
| FR Document | 2017-25012 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 223 (Tuesday, November 21, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 55397-55399] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-25012] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Office of the Secretary Request for Comments on Labor Capacity-Building Efforts Under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement AGENCY: Bureau of International Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor and Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Request for comments from the public. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice is a request for comments from the public to assist the Secretary of Labor and the United States Trade Representative in preparing a report on labor capacity-building efforts under Chapter 16 (``the Labor Chapter'') and Annex 16.5 of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (``CAFTA-DR''). Comments are also welcomed on efforts made by the CAFTA-DR countries to implement the labor obligations under the Labor Chapter and the recommendations contained in a paper entitled, ``The Labor Dimension in Central America and the Dominican Republic--Building on Progress: Strengthening Compliance and Enhancing Capacity'' (the ``White Paper''). This report is required under the Dominican Republic- Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (CAFTA-DR Implementation Act). The reporting function and the responsibility for soliciting public comments required under this Act were assigned to the Secretary of Labor in [[Page 55398]] consultation with the United States Trade Representative (USTR). DATES: Written comments are due no later than 5 p.m. (EDT) January 2, 2018. ADDRESSES: Public comments should be submitted electronically to www.regulations.gov, the Federal e-rulemaking portal. Comments may also be submitted by postal or electronic mail to: Mr. Graham Robertson, Office of Trade and Labor Affairs, Bureau of International Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S- 5006, Washington, DC 20210, [email protected]. Comments that are mailed must be received by the date indicated for consideration. Also, please note that due to security concerns, postal delivery in Washington, DC may be delayed. Therefore, in order to ensure that comments receive full consideration, the Department encourages the public to submit comments via the internet as indicated above. Please submit only one copy of your comments by only one method. Also, please be advised that comments received will become a matter of public record and will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. The Department cautions commenters not to include personal information, such as Social Security Numbers, personal addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses in their comments as such information will become viewable by the public on the http://www.regulations.gov Web site. It is each commenter's responsibility to safeguard his or her information. Comments submitted through http://www.regulations.gov will not include the commenter's email address unless the commenter chooses to include that information as part of his or her comment. If you are unable to provide submissions by either of these means, please contact Graham Robertson (202-693- 4818) to arrange for an alternative method of submission. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Graham Robertson, Office of Trade and Labor Affairs, Bureau of International Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-5006, Washington, DC 20210. Email: [email protected], Telephone: (202) 693-4818. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Background Information During the legislative approval process for the CAFTA-DR, the Administration and the Congress reached an understanding on the need to support labor capacity-building efforts linked to recommendations identified in the ``White Paper'' of the Working Group of the Vice Ministers Responsible for Trade and Labor in the countries of Central America and the Dominican Republic. Appropriations have been made available from FY 2005 through 2017 to support labor capacity building efforts in CAFTA-DR countries. For more information, see the full text of the CAFTA-DR at https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/cafta-dr-dominican-republic-central-america-fta/final-text and the ``White Paper'' at http://www.sice.oas.org/labor/White%20Paper_e.pdf. In addition, in December 2006, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) published its procedural guidelines for the receipt and review of submissions under U.S. Free Trade Agreements, including the CAFTA-DR (71 FR 76691 Dec. 21, 2006). Subsequently, pursuant to CAFTA-DR Article 16.4.2, in November 2008, the United States and CAFTA-DR partner countries held the first Labor Affairs Council meeting in San Salvador, El Salvador. Since the CAFTA-DR came into force, USDOL's Office of Trade and Labor Affairs (OTLA) has accepted three submissions under the labor chapter of the CAFTA-DR. In February 2015, OTLA issued a public report on its review of a submission regarding Honduras, and in December of that year the United States and Honduras signed a comprehensive monitoring and action plan that addresses gaps in enforcement of Honduran labor law outlined in OTLA's public report. In September 2013, OTLA issued a public report in response to a submission regarding the Dominican Republic and since then, the Department of Labor has been engaging with the Dominican Republic on the issues identified in the report. With respect to a submission regarding Guatemala, OTLA issued a public report in January 2009, and the United States Trade Representative requested the establishment of an arbitral panel in August 2011, pursuant to Article 20.6.1, to consider whether the Government of Guatemala was conforming to its obligations under Article 16.2.1(a) of the CAFTA-DR. In November 2012, the parties agreed to suspend panel proceedings while the parties negotiated and implemented an Enforcement Plan. In an attempt to resolve the dispute, the Panel resumed its work in September 2013 and issued its final report on June 14, 2017. The Panel's findings confirmed the U.S. view that Guatemala's enforcement failures, in particular with respect to laws protecting the right of association, the right to organize and bargain collectively, and acceptable conditions of work including occupational safety and health, minimum wage, and hours of work, are a serious concern, but determined that evidence did not establish other required elements necessary to prove a violation of CAFTA-DR. Under CAFTA-DR, the panel decision is final; there is no appeal process. Under section 403(a) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation Act, 19 U.S.C. 4111(a), the President must report biennially to the Congress on the progress made by the CAFTA-DR countries in implementing the labor obligations and the labor capacity-building provisions found in the Labor Chapter and in Annex 16.5, and in implementing the recommendations contained in the ``White Paper.'' Section 403(a)(4) requires that the President establish a mechanism to solicit public comments on the matters described in section 403(a)(3)(D) of the CAFTA- DR Implementation Act, 19 U.S.C. 4111(a)(4) (listed below in 2). By Proclamation, the President delegated the reporting function and the responsibility for soliciting public comments under section 403(a) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation Act, 19 U.S.C. 4111(a), to the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the USTR (Proclamation No. 8272, 73 FR 38,297 (June 30, 2008)). This notice serves to request public comments as required by this section. 2. The USDOL Is Seeking Comments on the Following Topics as Required Under Section 403(a)(3)(D) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation Act a. Capacity-building efforts by the United States government envisaged by Article 16.5 of the CAFTA-DR Labor Chapter and Annex 16.5; b. Efforts by the United States government to facilitate full implementation of the ``White Paper'' recommendations; and c. Efforts made by the CAFTA-DR countries to comply with Article 16.5 of the Labor Chapter and Annex 16.5 and to fully implement the ``White Paper'' recommendations, including progress made by the CAFTA- DR countries in affording to workers internationally-recognized worker rights through improved capacity. 3. Requirements for Submission Persons submitting comments must do so in English and must make the following note on the first page of their submissions: ``Comments regarding the [[Page 55399]] CAFTA-DR Implementation Act.'' In order to be assured consideration, comments should be submitted by 5 p.m. (EDT), January 2, 2018. The Department of Labor encourages commenters to make on-line submissions using the www.regulations.gov Web site. When entering this site, enter ``Request for Comments on Labor Capacity-Building Efforts Under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement'' on the home page search bar and click ``search.'' The site will provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with this docket. Find a reference to this notice and click on the link entitled ``Comment Now.'' (For further information on using the www.regulations.gov Web site, please consult the resources provided on the Web site by clicking on ``How to Use This Site'' (found on the bottom of the home page under ``Help'')). The www.regulations.gov Web site allows users to provide comments by filling in a ``Type Comment field,'' or by attaching a document using an ``Upload File'' field. The USDOL prefers that uploaded submissions be in Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). If the submission is in an application other than those two, please indicate the name of the application in the ``Type Comment'' field. Please do not attach separate cover letters to electronic submissions; rather, include any information that might appear in a cover letter in the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in the same file as the submission itself and not as separate files. As noted, USDOL strongly urges submitters to file comments through the www.regulations.gov Web site. Comments will be open to public inspection. Comments may be viewed on the www.regulations.gov Web site. Signed at Washington, DC, on November 9, 2017. Martha E. Newton, Deputy Undersecretary. [FR Doc. 2017-25012 Filed 11-20-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-28-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 223 / Tuesday, November 21, 2017 / Notices 55397
DATES: The OMB will consider all information collection is authorized by e.g., permitting electronic submission of
written comments that agency receives 13 U.S.C. 182 and 29 U.S.C. 2. responses.
on or before December 21, 2017. This information collection is subject Agency: DOL–BLS.
to the PRA. A Federal agency generally Title of Collection: Current Population
ADDRESSES: A copy of this ICR with
cannot conduct or sponsor a collection Survey—Basic Labor Force.
applicable supporting documentation;
of information, and the public is OMB Control Number: 1220–0100.
including a description of the likely
generally not required to respond to an Affected Public: Individuals or
respondents, proposed frequency of
information collection, unless it is Households.
response, and estimated total burden
approved by the OMB under the PRA Total Estimated Number of
may be obtained free of charge from the
and displays a currently valid OMB Respondents: 53,000.
RegInfo.gov Web site at http://
Control Number. In addition, Total Estimated Number of
www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
notwithstanding any other provisions of Responses: 636,000.
PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=201706-1220-002
law, no person shall generally be subject Total Estimated Annual Time Burden:
(this link will only become active on the to penalty for failing to comply with a
day following publication of this notice) 80,560 hours.
collection of information that does not Total Estimated Annual Other Costs
or by contacting Michel Smyth by display a valid Control Number. See 5
telephone at 202–693–4129, TTY 202– Burden: $0.
CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. The DOL
693–8064, (these are not toll-free obtains OMB approval for this Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).
numbers) or by email at DOL_PRA_ information collection under Control Dated: November 14, 2017.
PUBLIC@dol.gov. Number 1220–0100. Michel Smyth,
Submit comments about this request OMB authorization for an ICR cannot Departmental Clearance Officer.
by mail to the Office of Information and be for more than three (3) years without [FR Doc. 2017–25111 Filed 11–20–17; 8:45 am]
Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk renewal, and the current approval for
BILLING CODE 4510–24–P
Officer for DOL–BLS, Office of this collection is scheduled to expire on
Management and Budget, Room 10235, December 31, 2017. The DOL seeks to
725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC extend PRA authorization for this DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
20503; by Fax: 202–395–5806 (this is information collection for three (3) more
not a toll-free number); or by email: years, without any change to existing Office of the Secretary
OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov. requirements. The DOL notes that
Commenters are encouraged, but not existing information collection Request for Comments on Labor
required, to send a courtesy copy of any requirements submitted to the OMB Capacity-Building Efforts Under the
comments by mail or courier to the U.S. receive a month-to-month extension Dominican Republic-Central America-
Department of Labor-OASAM, Office of while they undergo review. For United States Free Trade Agreement
the Chief Information Officer, Attn: additional substantive information
Departmental Information Compliance about this ICR, see the related notice AGENCY: Bureau of International Labor
Management Program, Room N1301, published in the Federal Register on Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor and
200 Constitution Avenue NW., June 19, 2017 (82 FR 27873). Office of the United States Trade
Washington, DC 20210; or by email: Interested parties are encouraged to Representative.
DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov. send comments to the OMB, Office of ACTION: Request for comments from the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information and Regulatory Affairs at public.
Michel Smyth by telephone at 202–693– the address shown in the ADDRESSES
section within thirty (30) days of SUMMARY: This notice is a request for
4129, TTY 202–693–8064, (these are not comments from the public to assist the
toll-free numbers) or by email at DOL_ publication of this notice in the Federal
Register. In order to help ensure Secretary of Labor and the United States
PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov. Trade Representative in preparing a
appropriate consideration, comments
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This ICR should mention OMB Control Number report on labor capacity-building efforts
seeks to extend PRA authority for the 1220–0100. The OMB is particularly under Chapter 16 (‘‘the Labor Chapter’’)
Current Population Survey (CPS)—Basic interested in comments that: and Annex 16.5 of the Dominican
Labor Force information collection. The • Evaluate whether the proposed Republic-Central America-United States
labor force data collected in the CPS collection of information is necessary Free Trade Agreement (‘‘CAFTA–DR’’).
help to determine the employment for the proper performance of the Comments are also welcomed on efforts
situation of specific population groups functions of the agency, including made by the CAFTA–DR countries to
as well as general trends in employment whether the information will have implement the labor obligations under
and unemployment. The survey is the practical utility; the Labor Chapter and the
only source of monthly data on total • Evaluate the accuracy of the recommendations contained in a paper
employment and unemployment. The agency’s estimate of the burden of the entitled, ‘‘The Labor Dimension in
Employment Situation Report contains proposed collection of information, Central America and the Dominican
data from this survey, and it is including the validity of the Republic—Building on Progress:
designated a Principle Federal methodology and assumptions used; Strengthening Compliance and
Economic Indicator; moreover, the • Enhance the quality, utility, and Enhancing Capacity’’ (the ‘‘White
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES
survey also yields data on the basic clarity of the information to be Paper’’). This report is required under
status and characteristics of persons not collected; and the Dominican Republic-Central
in the labor force. CPS data are used • Minimize the burden of the America-United States Free Trade
monthly, in conjunction with data from collection of information on those who Agreement Implementation Act
other sources, to analyze the extent to are to respond, including through the (CAFTA–DR Implementation Act). The
which, and with what success, the use of appropriate automated, reporting function and the
various components of the American electronic, mechanical, or other responsibility for soliciting public
population are participating in the technological collection techniques or comments required under this Act were
economic life of the nation. This other forms of information technology, assigned to the Secretary of Labor in
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 223 / Tuesday, November 21, 2017 / Notices 55399
CAFTA–DR Implementation Act.’’ In ACTION: Notice of information collection; determining monetary policy (as a
order to be assured consideration, request for comment. Principal Federal Economic Indicator.)
comments should be submitted by 5 The integrated program’s single
p.m. (EDT), January 2, 2018. The SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as sample produces both time-series
Department of Labor encourages part of its continuing effort to reduce indexes and cost levels for industry and
commenters to make on-line paperwork and respondent burden, occupational groups, thereby increasing
submissions using the conducts a pre-clearance consultation the analytical potential of the data.
www.regulations.gov Web site. When program to provide the general public The NCS employs probability
entering this site, enter ‘‘Request for and Federal agencies with an methods for selection of occupations.
Comments on Labor Capacity-Building opportunity to comment on proposed This ensures that sampled occupations
Efforts Under the Dominican Republic- and/or continuing collections of represent all occupations in the
Central America-United States Free information in accordance with the workforce, while minimizing the
Trade Agreement’’ on the home page Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This reporting burden on respondents. The
search bar and click ‘‘search.’’ The site program helps to ensure that requested survey collects data from a sample of
will provide a search-results page listing data can be provided in the desired employers. These data will consist of
all documents associated with this format, reporting burden (time and information about the duties,
docket. Find a reference to this notice financial resources) is minimized, responsibilities, and compensation
and click on the link entitled ‘‘Comment collection instruments are clearly (earnings and benefits) for a sample of
Now.’’ (For further information on using understood, and the impact of collection occupations for each sampled employer.
the www.regulations.gov Web site, requirements on respondents can be Data will be updated on a quarterly
please consult the resources provided properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor basis. The updates will allow for
on the Web site by clicking on ‘‘How to Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments production of data on change in
Use This Site’’ (found on the bottom of concerning the proposed revision of the earnings and total compensation.
the home page under ‘‘Help’’)). ‘‘National Compensation Survey.’’ A II. Current Action
copy of the proposed information
The www.regulations.gov Web site Office of Management and Budget
collection request can be obtained by
allows users to provide comments by clearance is being sought for the
contacting the individual listed below
filling in a ‘‘Type Comment field,’’ or by National Compensation Survey.
in the Addresses section of this notice.
attaching a document using an ‘‘Upload The NCS collects earnings and work
File’’ field. The USDOL prefers that DATES: Written comments must be level data on occupations for the nation.
uploaded submissions be in Microsoft submitted to the office listed in the The NCS also collects information on
Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). If Addresses section of this notice on or the cost, provisions, and incidence of
the submission is in an application before January 22, 2018. major employee benefits through its
other than those two, please indicate the ADDRESSES: Send comments to Nora benefit cost and benefit provision
name of the application in the ‘‘Type Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer, programs and publications.
Comment’’ field. Division of Management Systems, BLS has for a number of years been
Please do not attach separate cover Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 4080, using a revised approach to the Locality
letters to electronic submissions; rather, 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE., Pay Survey (LPS); this uses data from
include any information that might Washington, DC 20212. Written two current BLS programs—the
appear in a cover letter in the comments also may be transmitted by Occupational Employment Statistics
submission itself. Similarly, to the fax to 202–691–5111 (this is not a toll (OES) survey and the ECI program. This
extent possible, please include any free number.) approach uses OES data to provide wage
exhibits, annexes, or other attachments FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
data by occupation and by area, while
in the same file as the submission itself Nora Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer, at ECI data are used to specify grade level
and not as separate files. 202–691–7628 (this is not a toll free effects. This approach is also being used
number.) (See ADDRESSES section.) to extend the estimation of pay gaps to
As noted, USDOL strongly urges
areas that were not included in the prior
submitters to file comments through the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Locality Pay Survey sample, and these
www.regulations.gov Web site.
I. Background data have been delivered to the Pay
Comments will be open to public Agent (in 2014, data for 92 areas were
inspection. Comments may be viewed The National Compensation Survey delivered.)
on the www.regulations.gov Web site. (NCS) is an ongoing survey of earnings The NCS has a national survey design
Signed at Washington, DC, on November 9, and benefits among private firms, State, for the ECI and the EBS. The NCS
2017. and local government. Data from the private industry sample is on a three-
Martha E. Newton, NCS program include estimates of year rotational cycle, with one frozen
wages covering broad groups of related sample year every ten years for the NCS
Deputy Undersecretary.
occupations, and data that directly links private industry sample when a new
[FR Doc. 2017–25012 Filed 11–20–17; 8:45 am]
benefit plan costs with detailed plan NCS State and local government sample
BILLING CODE 4510–28–P
provisions. The NCS is used to produce starts (approximately in 2025).
the Employment Cost Trends, including The NCS continues to provide
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES
the Employment Cost Index (ECI) and employee benefit provision and
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employer Costs for Employee participation data. These data include
Bureau of Labor Statistics Compensation (ECEC), employee estimates of how many workers receive
benefits data (on coverage, cost and the various employer-sponsored
Information Collection Activities; provisions), data used by the President’s benefits. The data also include
Comment Request Pay Agent and this data is used by information about the common
compensation administrators and provisions of benefit plans.
AGENCY:Bureau of Labor Statistics, researchers in the private sector. Data NCS collection will use a number of
Department of Labor. from the NCS are used to help in collection forms (normally having
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Document Created: 2017-11-21 00:43:00
Document Modified: 2017-11-21 00:43:00
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Request for comments from the public. | |
| Dates | Written comments are due no later than 5 p.m. (EDT) January 2, 2018. | |
| Contact | Mr. Graham Robertson, Office of Trade and Labor Affairs, Bureau of International Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-5006, Washington, DC 20210. Email: [email protected], Telephone: (202) 693-4818. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 55397 |
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