Department of Labor

The Department of Labor (DOL) is a federal government agency in the United States responsible for promoting and improving working conditions, protecting workers’ rights, and enforcing labor laws. The agency was established in 1913 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

The Department of Labor has several divisions and programs that oversee various aspects of labor policy and enforcement. Some of its main divisions include the Wage and Hour Division, which enforces minimum wage and overtime laws; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces workplace safety standards; and the Employment and Training Administration, which provides job training and unemployment benefits.

The DOL also collects and publishes data on employment and labor market trends, including information on job growth, wages, and working conditions. Additionally, the agency is responsible for enforcing a range of federal labor laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Overall, the Department of Labor plays a key role in protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that workplaces are safe, fair, and equitable.

 

 

PH gains US nod in fight vs human trafficking – Manila Bulletin
| | |

PH gains US nod in fight vs human trafficking – Manila Bulletin

The United States government cited the Philippine government for its relentless efforts in fully achieving the minimum standards against trafficking in persons (TIP) amidt the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) disclosed on Saturday, July 23. This was based on the recently-issued 2022 US TIP report which placed the…

Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office, US Department of Labor partner to protect workers' rights
| |

Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office, US Department of Labor partner to protect workers' rights

ANN ARBOR – The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division to formally establish a partnership to enforce workers’ rights, share information and conduct joint outreach efforts and investigations. “This first-of-its-kind agreement between the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division…

Why Growers Are Bracing Themselves for More H-2A Regulations
| | |

Why Growers Are Bracing Themselves for More H-2A Regulations

The horticulture industry seeks broader access to H-2A and H-2B programs, but legislators are moving toward more rules and strict documentation. Craig Regelbrugge, Senior Vice President of AmericanHort, Shawn Packer of JPH Law Firm, and Tom Bortnyk of MAS Labor discussed industry challenges at a session titled “Labor Issues and Trends” in Columbus, OH. Regelbrugge…

The United States’ Practice of Forced Labor at Home and Abroad: Truth and Facts (Part One)
| | | |

The United States’ Practice of Forced Labor at Home and Abroad: Truth and Facts (Part One)

BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) — The United States’ Practice of Forced Labor at Home and Abroad: Truth and Facts August 2022 Introduction Over the years, the United States has concocted the biggest lies of the century such as the so-called “genocide” and “forced labor” in Xinjiang, in an attempt to smear and contain China. It…

ATEST Recommendations to U.S. Trade Representative on Developing a Forced Labor Trade Policy
| | |

ATEST Recommendations to U.S. Trade Representative on Developing a Forced Labor Trade Policy

Terry FitzPatrick August 5, 2022 The Honorable Katherine Tai U.S. Trade Representative Washington, DC Electronic Submission to Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov Docket Number USTR–2022–0006 Re: Trade Strategy to Combat Forced Labor Dear Ambassador Tai, Thank you for your leadership in the battle against forced labor by announcing that your office will develop a Forced Labor…

Farm labor traffickers bribed Georgia government employees, federal agent testifies
| | |

Farm labor traffickers bribed Georgia government employees, federal agent testifies

The agent testified that bribery was linked to approval of farmworker housing, a key step in bringing seasonal workers in the U.S. Prosecutors say the organization targeted by Blooming Onion subjected workers to degrading living conditions, including housing them in cramped trailers The investigation has led to criminal prosecutions against 28 defendants charged with forced…

Contra Costa DA’s Office, U.S. Dep’t of Labor announce partnership to combat wage theft
| |

Contra Costa DA’s Office, U.S. Dep’t of Labor announce partnership to combat wage theft

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office On June 17th, 2022, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton and U.S. Department of Labor Assistant District Director for San Jose Alberto Raymond formalize a partnership to combat wage theft and protect workers’ rights. Both agencies commemorate the agreement by signing a Memorandum of…

Contra Costa DA's Office and U.S. Department of Labor Announce Partnership to Combat Wage Theft
| | |

Contra Costa DA's Office and U.S. Department of Labor Announce Partnership to Combat Wage Theft

Martinez, Calif – On June 17th, 2022, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton and U.S. Department of Labor Assistant District Director for San Jose Alberto Raymond formalize a partnership to combat wage theft and protect workers’ rights. Both agencies commemorate the agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the District Attorney’s Office in Martinez….

Contra Costa, federal government team up to combat wage theft
| |

Contra Costa, federal government team up to combat wage theft

Contra Costa County, federal government team up to combat wage theft KTVU Fox 2 news at noon MARTINEZ, Calif. – Contra Costa County and the U.S. Department of Labor on Friday vowed to work together to prevent wage theft and protect workers’ rights. Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced that her office and…

Texas granted over $15 million for workers hurt by foreign trade
| |

Texas granted over $15 million for workers hurt by foreign trade

WASHINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) — As part of a Department of Labor program distributing over $201 million in funding to benefit workers across the country adversely impacted by foreign trade, Texas will receive $15 million — the second highest total awarded. Washington, awarded nearly $19 million, is the only state allocated a greater share of the funds….