(The Center Square) – Job vacancies are the lowest in more than a decade for compliance safety and health officers in North Carolina’s Department of Labor.
And it didn’t cost taxpayers a nickel.
“Every inspector we add means faster response times, more site visits, and safer working conditions for the people who provide for their families and power North Carolina’s economy,” first-term Republican Labor Commissioner Luke Farley said in a release.
Kevin O’Barr finished the term of Republican Josh Dobson upon his departure from leadership last year. Farley won election in November, took over Jan. 1, and the vacancy rate eclipsed 20%.
It is less than 10% today, the Labor Department says.
Avoiding any cost to taxpayers, Farley’s staff reallocated fiscal resources. Salaries were increased to a floor of $61,000 for those fully qualified. Veterans on board got a 3% raise if having three or more years of experience in the agency.
The labor commissioner is checking a box on accountability to voters.
Farley, endorsed by former five-term Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry, campaigned on workers being safe, healthy and employed. His safety plan pivots on filling open inspector positions to increase enforcement capacity; slashing wait times for voluntary safety consultations; and expanding recognition programs rewarding safety excellence in the private and public sectors.
According to the Department of Labor website, “The N.C. Department of Labor is charged by statute with promoting the ‘health, safety, and general well-being’ of more than 4 million workers across the state. The laws and programs it administers affect every worker – and virtually every person – in the state. North Carolina law gives the commissioner broad regulatory authority and enforcement powers to carry out the department’s duties for the people.”
