Comment Request, 28556-28557 [2014-11286]

Download as PDF 28556 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 95 / Friday, May 16, 2014 / Notices pdf format transmitted to good.larry@ dol.gov. It is requested that statements not be included in the body of the email. Statements deemed relevant by the Advisory Council and received on or before June 10 will be included in the record of the meeting and made available through the EBSA Public Disclosure Room, along with witness statements. Do not include any personally identifiable information (such as name, address, or other contact information) or confidential business information that you do not want publicly disclosed. Written statements submitted by invited witnesses will be posted on the Advisory Council page of the EBSA Web site, without change, and can be retrieved by most Internet search engines. Individuals or representatives of organizations wishing to address the Advisory Council should forward their requests to the Executive Secretary or telephone (202) 693–8668. Oral presentations will be limited to 10 minutes, time permitting, but an extended statement may be submitted for the record. Individuals with disabilities who need special accommodations should contact the Executive Secretary by June 10. Signed at Washington, DC, this 9th day of May 2014. Phyllis C. Borzi, Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration. [FR Doc. 2014–11284 Filed 5–15–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–29–P ADDRESSES section of this notice on or before July 15, 2014. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Michael Wolf, Division of Occupational Employment Projections, Office of Employment and Unemployment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 2135, 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE., Washington, DC 20212 or by email to: wolf.michael@bls.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Wolf, Office of Employment and Unemployment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, telephone number 202– 691–5714 (this is not a toll-free number), or by email to: wolf.michael@ bls.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Backgound The Department of Labor through the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is responsible for the development and publication of occupational employment projections and related career information. One element of the projections is estimates of job openings due to growth and replacement needs. Replacement needs measure openings that result from workers leaving an occupation for reasons such as retirement or career changes. BLS has developed a new method for measuring openings that estimates occupational separations. An experimental dataset comparing results from the current and alternate method, along with a description of the new method, is ready for users to provide feedback. II. New Method DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Bureau of Labor Statistics Comment Request Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor. ACTION: Notice for solicitation of comments. AGENCY: The Bureau of Labor Statistics is seeking comments on the proposed new method for projecting occupational separations. An experimental dataset comparing results from the current and alternate method, along with a description of the new method, is ready for users to review and provide feedback. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the EMCDONALD on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: The new method uses historical data to measure two types of workers who separate from their current occupation. Workers who leave their current occupation and find employment in a different occupation (occupational transfers) are measured using the Current Population Survey (CPS) Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), while workers who leave the labor force entirely (labor force exits) are measured using matched monthly data from the CPS. This historical data is used in a probit model to estimate the effects of various demographic characteristics, then the results of the model are applied to the current demographics of an occupation to estimate future occupational separations. A more detailed description of the methodology is available here: Current terminology 20:00 May 15, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 III. Terminology BLS also proposes using new terminology for this data. As noted above, the new methodology measures separations, while the current methodology measures replacements, so BLS would replace the data series descriptor ‘Replacement Needs’ with ‘Occupational Separations’ and the data series descriptor ‘Replacement Rates’ with ‘Occupational Separation Rates’. In addition, the current data series descriptor ‘Job Openings due to Growth and Replacement Needs’ is similar in form, but conceptually different from another BLS data source, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. BLS proposes to rename this data series ‘Openings due to Employment Change and Occupational Separations’. Proposed new terminology Replacement Needs ................................................................................. Replacement Rates .................................................................................. VerDate Mar<15>2010 https://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_ separations_methods.htm. The new method is conceptually similar to the current method, with the following key distinctions: • The new method measures separations, while the current method measures replacements. Replacements are equal to separations for growing occupations, but not for declining occupations. The current method adjusts for declining occupations within the calculation, while the new method adjusts after calculation using the BLS occupational employment projections. • The new method measures two distinct sources of separations, separations that result from workers transferring to a different occupation, and separations that result from workers exiting the labor force altogether, and reports them both separately and as a combined measure. The current method provides just one measure for all replacements. • Both the current method and the new method estimate replacements or separations due to workers permanently leaving an occupation. The current method does this by excluding separations from workers in the same age cohort as workers who enter the occupation. The new method does this by only measuring separations from workers who transfer to a different major occupational group, or who exit the labor force for at least 4 months. Additional information on why BLS is proposing this alternate methodology is available here: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ep_separations_change.htm. Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Occupational Separations. Occupational Separation Rate. Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 95 / Friday, May 16, 2014 / Notices Current terminology Proposed new terminology Job Openings due to Growth and Replacement Needs .......................... IV. Experimental Data BLS calculated 2012–22 replacement and separation rates using both methodologies to allow comparison of results. The experimental dataset includes the published 2012–22 replacement rates for 818 occupations as released by the BLS on December 19, 2013, along with the equivalent 2012–22 rates using the new method. Because of the differences between separations and replacements, rates for declining occupations are not directly comparable; titles for these occupations have been highlighted in red. For many occupations, particularly lower-skilled occupations that tend to have high turnover, the new method yields a higher rate than the current method, although for some occupations, the rates are comparable. The experimental dataset can be accessed from https:// www.bls.gov/emp/ep_separations_ data.xlsx. V. Desired Focus of Comments Comments and recommendations are requested from the public on the following aspects of the proposed methodology: • The ability of results using the new method to meet the needs of customers • The clarity of what is being measured with the new methodology • The clarity of the terminology used with the new methodology Signed at Washington, DC, this 12th day of May 2014. Eric P. Molina, Acting Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics. [FR Doc. 2014–11286 Filed 5–15–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–24–P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs Proposed Extension of Existing Collection; Comment Request Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, Department of Labor. ACTION: Notice. EMCDONALD on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:00 May 15, 2014 Jkt 232001 28557 Openings due to Employment Change and Occupational Separations. and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs is soliciting comments concerning the proposed collection: Report of Changes that May Affect Your Black Lung Benefits (CM–929 and CM–929P). A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addresses section of this Notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addresses section below on or before July 15, 2014. ADDRESSES: Ms. Yoon Ferguson, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW., Room S–3323, Washington, DC 20210, telephone (202) 693–0701, fax (202) 693–1449, Email ferguson.yoon@dol.gov. Please use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or Email). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. 936, 30 U.S.C. 941 and 20 CFR 725.533(e) authorizes the Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation (DCMWC) to pay compensation to coal miner beneficiaries. Once a miner or survivor is found eligible for benefits, the primary beneficiary is requested to report certain changes that may affect benefits. To ensure that there is a review and update of all claims paid from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, and from Social Security cases transferred to the Department of Labor under the Black Lung Consolidation of Administrative Responsibilities Act of 2002, and to help the beneficiary comply with the need to report certain changes, the CM–929 is sent to all appropriate primary beneficiaries. The CM–929 is printed by the DCMWC computer system with information specific to each beneficiary, such as name, address, number of dependents PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 on record, state workers’ compensation information, and amount of current benefits. The beneficiary reviews the information and certifies that the information is current, or provides updated information. The form includes a warning about potential consequences of failure to report changes. DCMWC uses Information Collection OMB 1240– 0020, Forms CM–623 and CM–623S, to monitor a representative payee’s use of funds use of funds paid on a beneficiary’s behalf. This is an annual reporting requirement and, while the information collected on OMB 1240– 0028 and 1240–0020 is different, the same payees complete both forms and the same DCMWC claims examiner reviews them. Therefore, DCMWC incorporated the CM–929 into the CM– 623 and CM–623S in those cases that appropriately had been sent both forms. This composite form is entitled CM– 929P, and allows respondents to verify information to DCMWC once annually instead of twice, as is now required. This information collection is currently approved for use through September 30, 2014. II. Review Focus The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments which: * Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; * Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; * Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and * Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. III. Current Actions The Department of Labor seeks the approval for the extension of this currently-approved information collection in order to verify the accuracy of information in the beneficiary’s E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 95 (Friday, May 16, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28556-28557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-11286]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Bureau of Labor Statistics


Comment Request

AGENCY: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.

ACTION: Notice for solicitation of comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Labor Statistics is seeking comments on the 
proposed new method for projecting occupational separations. An 
experimental dataset comparing results from the current and alternate 
method, along with a description of the new method, is ready for users 
to review and provide feedback.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this notice on or before July 15, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Michael Wolf, Division of Occupational 
Employment Projections, Office of Employment and Unemployment 
Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 2135, 2 Massachusetts 
Avenue NE., Washington, DC 20212 or by email to: wolf.michael@bls.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Wolf, Office of Employment and 
Unemployment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, telephone number 
202-691-5714 (this is not a toll-free number), or by email to: 
wolf.michael@bls.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Backgound

    The Department of Labor through the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
(BLS) is responsible for the development and publication of 
occupational employment projections and related career information. One 
element of the projections is estimates of job openings due to growth 
and replacement needs. Replacement needs measure openings that result 
from workers leaving an occupation for reasons such as retirement or 
career changes. BLS has developed a new method for measuring openings 
that estimates occupational separations. An experimental dataset 
comparing results from the current and alternate method, along with a 
description of the new method, is ready for users to provide feedback.

II. New Method

    The new method uses historical data to measure two types of workers 
who separate from their current occupation. Workers who leave their 
current occupation and find employment in a different occupation 
(occupational transfers) are measured using the Current Population 
Survey (CPS) Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), while 
workers who leave the labor force entirely (labor force exits) are 
measured using matched monthly data from the CPS. This historical data 
is used in a probit model to estimate the effects of various 
demographic characteristics, then the results of the model are applied 
to the current demographics of an occupation to estimate future 
occupational separations. A more detailed description of the 
methodology is available here: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_separations_methods.htm. The new method is conceptually similar to the current 
method, with the following key distinctions:
     The new method measures separations, while the current 
method measures replacements. Replacements are equal to separations for 
growing occupations, but not for declining occupations. The current 
method adjusts for declining occupations within the calculation, while 
the new method adjusts after calculation using the BLS occupational 
employment projections.
     The new method measures two distinct sources of 
separations, separations that result from workers transferring to a 
different occupation, and separations that result from workers exiting 
the labor force altogether, and reports them both separately and as a 
combined measure. The current method provides just one measure for all 
replacements.
     Both the current method and the new method estimate 
replacements or separations due to workers permanently leaving an 
occupation. The current method does this by excluding separations from 
workers in the same age cohort as workers who enter the occupation. The 
new method does this by only measuring separations from workers who 
transfer to a different major occupational group, or who exit the labor 
force for at least 4 months.
    Additional information on why BLS is proposing this alternate 
methodology is available here: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_separations_change.htm.

III. Terminology

    BLS also proposes using new terminology for this data. As noted 
above, the new methodology measures separations, while the current 
methodology measures replacements, so BLS would replace the data series 
descriptor `Replacement Needs' with `Occupational Separations' and the 
data series descriptor `Replacement Rates' with `Occupational 
Separation Rates'. In addition, the current data series descriptor `Job 
Openings due to Growth and Replacement Needs' is similar in form, but 
conceptually different from another BLS data source, the Job Openings 
and Labor Turnover Survey. BLS proposes to rename this data series 
`Openings due to Employment Change and Occupational Separations'.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Current terminology                Proposed new terminology
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement Needs......................  Occupational Separations.
Replacement Rates......................  Occupational Separation Rate.

[[Page 28557]]

 
Job Openings due to Growth and           Openings due to Employment
 Replacement Needs.                       Change and Occupational
                                          Separations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Experimental Data

    BLS calculated 2012-22 replacement and separation rates using both 
methodologies to allow comparison of results. The experimental dataset 
includes the published 2012-22 replacement rates for 818 occupations as 
released by the BLS on December 19, 2013, along with the equivalent 
2012-22 rates using the new method. Because of the differences between 
separations and replacements, rates for declining occupations are not 
directly comparable; titles for these occupations have been highlighted 
in red. For many occupations, particularly lower-skilled occupations 
that tend to have high turnover, the new method yields a higher rate 
than the current method, although for some occupations, the rates are 
comparable. The experimental dataset can be accessed from https://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_separations_data.xlsx.

V. Desired Focus of Comments

    Comments and recommendations are requested from the public on the 
following aspects of the proposed methodology:
     The ability of results using the new method to meet the 
needs of customers
     The clarity of what is being measured with the new 
methodology
     The clarity of the terminology used with the new 
methodology

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 12th day of May 2014.
Eric P. Molina,
Acting Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor 
Statistics.
[FR Doc. 2014-11286 Filed 5-15-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-24-P
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