Legal Definitions - Department of Labor

The Department of Labor (DOL) is a cabinet-level agency within the U.S. federal government. Its primary mission is to protect and promote the well-being of American workers. This involves ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal employment opportunities, as well as providing resources to help individuals find and maintain profitable employment.

Here are some examples illustrating the Department of Labor's role:

• Imagine a situation where a large manufacturing company is accused of not paying its employees the legally required overtime wages. The affected workers file a complaint, prompting an investigation by the DOL's Wage and Hour Division. The DOL would review the company's payroll records and interview employees to determine if violations occurred, ultimately enforcing federal wage laws to ensure workers receive the pay they are owed.

  This example demonstrates the DOL's function in promoting the welfare of wage earners by ensuring compliance with fair wage laws and protecting workers from exploitation.

• Consider a new federal regulation that mandates specific safety protocols for construction workers operating at heights, such as stricter requirements for fall protection equipment and training. This regulation would be developed and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is an agency within the DOL. OSHA conducts inspections and issues penalties to companies that fail to comply, thereby reducing workplace accidents and injuries.

  This illustrates the DOL's commitment to improving working conditions by establishing and enforcing safety standards that protect employees from hazards in their workplaces.

• Suppose a region experiences significant job losses in a traditional industry, leaving many skilled workers unemployed. The DOL might fund and oversee a grant program that partners with local community colleges and businesses to offer retraining programs in emerging fields like renewable energy or advanced manufacturing. These programs equip dislocated workers with new skills, helping them transition into growing sectors and secure new, profitable employment.

  This example highlights the DOL's role in improving opportunities for profitable employment by investing in workforce development and helping individuals adapt to changing economic landscapes.