The Labor Department's support to the residents and businesses of Delaware, along with this web site, is continually updated to meet the changing needs of all sectors of Delaware's workforce. Many challenges are met daily as the Department utilizes state-of-the-art technology and a well trained customer service oriented staff to better serve and support the needs of all of Delaware's employees and employers.
The Department of Labor and its partner, the Delaware Workforce Investment Board, strive to work together to help Delaware businesses build a strong and successful workforce. Visit the Workforce Investment Board to read about what role the board plays in job development in Delaware.
Information about how to locate a job, find and hire workers, and understand what the growing occupations, unemployment rates and the hot jobs in Delaware are in the Labor Market Information section.
News
Extension of Unemployment Insurance Benefits - On June 30, 2008, President Bush signed Public Law 110-252, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008. Title IV of this legislation created the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program that will provide up to thirteen weeks of additional unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed workers who have exhausted their regular state unemployment insurance benefits on an initial claim filed with an effective date of May 7, 2006 or later. EUC benefits will be available from the week ending July 12, 2008 through the week ending July 4, 2009 under this legislation. The Division of Unemployment Insurance will mail notices about the EUC program to individuals who may be entitled to these additional benefits if they are currently unemployed.
Workers' Compensation Health Care Payment System - In accordance with 19 Del. C. § 2322, and effective 5/23/08, the Governor appointed Health Care Advisory Panel (HCAP) established a Workers' Compensation Health Care Payment System (HCPS) for Delaware. This new system includes health care practice guidelines; certification of health care providers; a fee schedule; health care provider and employer forms; and utilization review.
Wage and Hour - Delaware's Wage Payment and Collection Act (19 Del. C. Chapter 11), Minimum Wage Act (19 Del. C. Chapter 9) and Discrimination in Employment Act (19 Del. C. Chapter 7) all have posting requirements.
- The Department of Labor can collect minimum wages on behalf of Delaware workers. The minimum wage is $7.15 as of January 1, 2008.
Workers' Compensation Requirement for Independent Contractors - On May 23, 2007 Governor Minner signed Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill Number 68 that amended workers' compensation insurance requirements for contractors, independent contractors' partners and sole proprietors. Section 2308 of title 19 extends the election of an exemption to four members of a limited liability corporation. Section 2311 of title 19 clarifies the obligation that partners and sole proprietors must maintain workers' compensation insurance in the construction industry. Four executive officers who are stockholders of a corporate entity or four members of a limited liability corporation may elect to be exempt from coverage provided the election is in writing. This requirement also applies to the construction industry as defined in 30DelC25. The effective date of the mandatory insurance coverage is July 17, 2007.
For additional information please contact the Office of Workers' Compensation, Department of Labor at 302-761-8200 in Wilmington or 302-422-1392 in Milford.
Unemployment Insurance - Pursuant to HB 144 signed into law on June 18, 2007, the taxable wage base will be increased from $8,500 to $10,500 effective January 1, 2008. Accordingly, starting with unemployment insurance taxes due for the first quarter of calendar year 2008 and thereafter, employers will pay unemployment insurance tax on the first $10,500 of earnings of each employee instead of the first $8,500 of earnings of each employee. And for “benefit wages” charged to employer accounts based on unemployment insurance benefits claims filed effective January 1, 2008 and thereafter, the maximum “benefit wage” charge per claim also increases from $8,500 to $10,500. Any questions regarding the increase in taxable wage should be directed to the UI Tax Operations Unit at (302) 761-8482.
DOL Prevailing Wage
- Delaware's Prevailing Wage Law 29 Del. C. § 6960 requires the predetermination of wage rates which are prevailing on state-funded construction projects. The Office of Labor Law Enforcement identifies projects by end use and classifies them into three categories of construction. To request a certified prevailing wage rate category determination to be used in bid packets please click this link.
- Pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 6960(c), effective June 30, 2007, all contractors and subcontractors performing work on public work projects are required to furnish sworn payroll records on a weekly basis to the Department of Labor. The sworn payrolls are to be mailed to: Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Labor Law Enforcement 225 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 104 Newark, Delaware 19702. Click this link to obtain a sworn certified payroll report form.
Workers' Compensation Employer Insurance Information - Delaware employer workers' compensation insurance information is now available online. To access this information click on www.delawareworks.com/compsearch. Type in the employer's name and click on search. Click on the employer's name and the insurance history screen for the employer will appear.
The DOL's Discrimination Mediation Program - Did you know that mediation offers a speedy and cost-effective alternative means of settling disputes? The DOL's Discrimination Mediation Program has been successfully helping Delaware employers and employees resolve employment discrimination claims for two years. Participation in the program is completely voluntary and the successful resolution rate exceeds 70%.
- The Department of Labor can collect minimum wages on behalf of Delaware workers. The minimum wage is $7.15 as of January 1, 2008.
