The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is a federal agency at the cabinet level that performs three general functions to support the American workforce. It protects the rights of workers and retirees, provides job training, and offers statistics related to employment, prices, and income. The Department of Labor was established on March 4, 1913, by an order from President William Howard Taft, giving workers a seat at the cabinet for the first time.
What does the Department of Labor do?
The department aims to provide a productive workforce for the U.S. economy. It works to create attractive working environments by enforcing labor and retirement laws. This keeps the U.S. competitive by promoting one of the most important components of supply. By protecting workers’ rights, it has sought to replace the role of labor unions.
How does the Department of Labor affect the economy?
The Department of Labor increases productivity for companies by enforcing laws designed to keep employees happy and prevent strikes. Thus, it enhances U.S. competitiveness, economic growth, and job creation.
It is worth noting that one of the most influential things the Department of Labor does is provide the monthly jobs report. Billions of dollars are gained or lost in the stock market depending on the number of jobs added or lost.
How does the Department of Labor affect you?
If you are employed, the Department of Labor protects your rights as a worker. If you are looking for a new job, the American Job Center network connects you with employers, helps you see your skills, and assists veterans in finding jobs. These comprehensive centers provide a wide range of assistance for job seekers.
If you are a veteran, the Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) will train you and help you find employers looking to hire veterans. It also assists veterans in integrating into society by helping them find meaningful jobs and obtain employment support.
If you believe you are being cheated on overtime pay, the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor will protect your rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The seven main agencies of the Department of Labor
There are over 25 offices and agencies within the Department of Labor, led by the Secretary of Labor. The seven most prominent agencies are:
- The Employee Benefits Security Administration, which is responsible for regulating and supporting private retirement plans, health plans, and other social benefit plans.
- The Wage and Hour Division, which enforces and administers labor laws and minimum wage regulations in the U.S.
- The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, which administers four major disability compensation programs and provides benefits to workers (or their dependents) who suffer from work-related injuries or occupational diseases.
- The Employment and Training Administration, which provides job training programs through state and local agencies, including the Labor Corps.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which enforces workplace safety standards.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provides statistics about the workforce.
- The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, which pays private pensions if the employer cannot.
Other agencies in the Department of Labor
The Administrative Review Board issues the final judgment of the Department of Labor in appeals under worker protection laws, including whistleblower protection, H-1B immigration, child labor, employment discrimination, and government contracts. The review board primarily issues final government benefits rulings on Black Lung benefits and longshore workers’ compensation. The Office of International Labor Affairs combats forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking. These practices depress wages, giving foreign companies an unfair competitive advantage over U.S. companies. The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board issues decisions on appeals filed by the Employee Compensation Administration. The Mine Safety and Health Administration protects mines. The Administrative Law Judge is the administrative court of the Department of Labor. The Congressional and Governmental Affairs Office acts as the liaison between the Department of Labor, Congress, and other government entities. The Office of Disability Employment Policy works to increase job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs enforces anti-discrimination laws with government contractors. The Office of Inspector General reviews all DOL agencies to ensure they comply with federal laws and regulations. The Employment Standards Administration promotes labor unions. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management oversees the administration functions for the Department of Labor, including procurement, information technology, and human resources. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Labor Policy advises the Secretary of Labor on policy matters, including the Civil Rights Center. It ensures that the Department of Labor adheres to human rights laws. The Chief Financial Officer oversees the financial management services of the Department of Labor. The Office of the Solicitor provides legal services for the Department of Labor. The program manager for the Occupational Disease Compensation Program for Energy Employees helps facilitate the compensation process for Department of Energy employees who become ill due to radiation exposure. The Veterans Employment and Training Service helps veterans find good jobs. The Women’s Bureau designs policies to enhance the role of women in the workforce.
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Sources:
U.S. Department of Labor. “The Origin of the U.S. Department of Labor.” U.S. Department of Labor. “Wages and Hours Division: Who We Are.” U.S. Department of Labor. “Agencies and Programs.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/u-s-department-of-labor-3305991
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