Nebraska labor office registers apprenticeships and cites employers over wage violations

The Department of Labor runs a state office that registers apprenticeship programs and apprentices, sets program standards, and handles disputes. The office handles quality pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, and other apprenticeships. Sponsors may choose to register or certify programs with the office. For federal recognition of programs and standards registered in another state, a sponsor must request reciprocal approval and meet Nebraska wage, hour, and apprentice-ratio rules.

The Labor Commissioner issues citations to employers when an investigation finds a possible wage law violation. The citations apply to employers who may have violated the Nebraska Wage Payment and Collection Act. The citation rule does not cover the wage-statement violation described in section 48-1230(2). The employer may contest a citation or penalty within 15 working days and receive a hearing. A contested citation does not block state or local government contracting until the contest is resolved; an unpaid citation does block contracting until paid. An employer has 15 working days after the citation or penalty to contest it.

The Commissioner of Labor may require employers to pay an annual support fee. The fee applies to employers eligible for experience rating under the Employment Security Law. The fee may be required by rule for employers eligible for experience rating, whether they pay contributions or reimburse the state for benefits. The fee is based on prior-year gross wages. If the fund balance reaches or exceeds $15 million at the close of a fiscal year, the commissioner must reduce the fee for the next year enough to keep the balance at or below that amount. The fee is annual. Any required reduction applies to the following year.

The Department of Labor administers grants that help businesses cover costs for student internships. Eligible students include high school juniors and seniors, people enrolled in higher education or certified training, and people who apply within 12 months after graduating. Businesses may apply, but grants are not guaranteed and must follow the stated award limits. An internship must pay at least the state minimum wage, take place in Nebraska, and last no more than 24 months. The department may spend no more than $1.5 million per fiscal year from the Job Training Cash Fund or its subaccounts for the program. Internships may last no more than 24 months. The department's yearly spending limit is $1.5 million.