United States Department of Labor

Mission and functions

The department’s primary mission is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners of the United States, improve working conditions, advance opportunities for profitable employment, and assure work-related benefits and rights. To do this it enforces federal labor laws, provides workforce development and job-training services, oversees unemployment insurance programs in partnership with states, and issues research and statistics used by policymakers, businesses and the public.

Organization and leadership

The department is headed by the United States Secretary of Labor, a Cabinet officer nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The Secretary leads a headquarters staff and a nationwide network of regional and field offices. Many functions are carried out by specialized agencies and program offices that focus on enforcement, benefits protection, training, and data collection. State and local labor offices frequently coordinate with the department; many U.S. states maintain their own labor departments that administer complementary programs and enforce state laws (state labor departments).

Major agencies and offices

• Wage and Hour Division: enforces minimum wage, overtime, and child labor laws.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): develops and enforces workplace health and safety standards.
• Employment and Training Administration (ETA): delivers workforce training and re-employment services.
• Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA): protects retirement and health benefit plans.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): produces official employment, wage, price and productivity statistics.
• Other offices: include the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, Women’s Bureau and Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.

History and role in public policy

Created in the early 20th century to consolidate federal activities related to labor, the department has evolved in response to industrial change, economic cycles and growing expectations about workplace protections. It combines regulatory enforcement with data collection and programs designed to improve employment opportunities. Reports and statistics produced by the department inform economic policy, labor market analysis and collective bargaining, and its enforcement actions influence employer practices nationwide.

How it operates

The department implements laws through investigations, compliance assistance, rulemaking and, where authorized, penalties. It administers grant-funded training and employment services, partners with states to deliver unemployment insurance and re-employment assistance, and publishes regular data releases and analytical studies. For organizational details and statements of priorities, consult the office of the Secretary and official departmental resources (office of the Secretary).