Public Resources

Agency description:

The Department of Labor oversees the development and welfare of employees and retirees, as well as working conditions and worker rights and benefits.

Website:

www.dol.gov

Enabling Statute:

“There shall be an executive department in the Government to be called the Department of Labor, with a Secretary of Labor, who shall be the head thereof, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and whose tenure of office shall be like that of the heads of the other executive departments. The provisions of title 4 of the Revised Statutes, including all amendments thereto, shall be applicable to said department. The purpose of the Department of Labor shall be to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners of the United States, to improve their working conditions, and to advance their opportunities for profitable employment. The said Secretary shall cause a seal of office to be made for the said department of such device as the President shall approve and judicial notice shall be taken of the said seal.” 29 U.S.C. § 551

Key issues:

Wages; unemployment insurance; health coverage; disability rights; work hours; workers’ compensation; termination; leave benefits; affirmative action; retirement plans.

Sub-agencies:

Bureau of International Labor Affairs; Bureau of Labor Statistics; Employee Benefits Security Administration; Employment and Training Administration; Mine Safety and Health Administration; Occupational Safety and Health Administration; Veterans’ Employment and Training Services

Agency description:

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs seeks to improve work conditions and protect worker rights worldwide.

Website:

www.dol.gov/ilab/

Key issues:

Child labor; forced labor; human trafficking.

Agency description:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) measures and provides data about labor market activity.

Website:

stats.bls.gov

Key issues:

Inflation; consumer price index; employment costs; national compensation data; national unemployment rate; labor productivity and cost; workplace injuries

Agency description:

The Employee Benefits Security Administration regulates employee welfare benefits such as retirement and health care plans.

Website:

www.dol.gov/ebsa

Key issues:

Health care reform; COBRA plans; pension plans; ERISA.

Agency description:

The Employment Training Administration oversees job training programs, worker dislocation programs, grants for public service employment at the state level, and unemployment insurance.

Website:

www.doleta.gov

Key issues:

Tax credits and incentives for businesses; community-based job training; job skills training; veterans’ employment.

Agency description:

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) aims to protect miners from workplace-related death, disease, and injury.

Website:

www.msha.gov

Key issues:

Asbestos; mining accidents; black lung; miner’s rights; dust control; diesel equipment safety.

Agency description:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates safe working conditions.

Website:

www.osha.gov

Key issues:

Workplace inspections; construction industry safety; manufacturing industry safety.

Agency description:

Veterans’ Employment and Training Services provides training and employment assistance for the nation’s veterans.

Website:

www.dol.gov/vets/

Key issues:

Transition services; veterans’ preference; e-VETS Resource Advisor.