United States Department of Labor

The United States Department of Labor (DOL) is one of the executive departments of the U.S. federal government. It is responsible for the administration of federal laws governing occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, unemployment benefits, reemployment services, and occasionally, economic statistics. It is headed by the secretary of labor, who reports directly to the president of the United States and is a member of the president's Cabinet.
united-states-department-of-labor

Some of the key events about United States Department of Labor

  • 1913
    Established as a Cabinet-level department to promote the welfare of workers
  • 1921
    Failed to prevent the Battle of Blair Mountain, the largest labor uprising in US history
  • 1935
    Criticized for not effectively enforcing the Wagner Act, allowing continued labor violations
  • 1938
    Implemented the Fair Labor Standards Act, setting minimum wage and overtime pay standards
  • 1947
    Implemented the Taft-Hartley Act, which restricted union activities and power
  • 1949
    Expanded the Bureau of Labor Statistics to provide comprehensive economic data
  • 1959
    Faced criticism for inadequate enforcement of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act
  • 1962
    Enacted the Manpower Development and Training Act to address unemployment and skills gaps
  • 1970
    Created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure workplace safety
  • 1970
    Struggled to effectively implement and enforce the Occupational Safety and Health Act
  • 1974
    Implemented the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to protect pension rights
  • 1974
    Criticized for slow response to the energy crisis and its impact on employment
  • 1981
    Failed to prevent the mass firing of air traffic controllers during the PATCO strike
  • 1988
    Faced allegations of lax enforcement of child labor laws in sweatshops
  • 1990
    Passed the Americans with Disabilities Act to prohibit workplace discrimination against disabled individuals
  • 1993
    Implemented the Family and Medical Leave Act, providing job-protected leave for family and medical reasons
  • 2008
    Criticized for inadequate response to the financial crisis and resulting job losses
  • 2009
    Expanded unemployment benefits and job training programs in response to the Great Recession
  • 2014
    Launched the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to improve job training and employment services
  • 2020
    Faced backlash for controversial changes to unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

United States Department of Labor Latest news

Key Economic Indicators Set for Release: Inflation and Consumer Sentiment in Focus

Key Economic Indicators Set for Release: Inflation and Consumer Sentiment in Focus

Upcoming reports on consumer prices, producer prices, and consumer sentiment will provide insights into the US economy's health. The Federal Reserve's inflation target remains a central focus.

Business, Economics • October 7 2024 , 07:50 AM  •  420 views
US Job Market Resilient but Slowing: September Report Anticipated

US Job Market Resilient but Slowing: September Report Anticipated

US labor market shows resilience with steady job creation, but hiring pace slows. September report expected to reveal modest gains, reflecting cautious employer sentiment amid economic uncertainties.

Business, Economics • October 4 2024 , 06:37 AM  •  361 views
U.S. Job Openings Surge Unexpectedly, Signaling Labor Market Resilience

U.S. Job Openings Surge Unexpectedly, Signaling Labor Market Resilience

U. S. job openings rose to 8 million in August, defying expectations. The increase, particularly in construction and government sectors, highlights the labor market's continued strength amid economic challenges.

Business, Economics • October 1 2024 , 11:14 PM  •  327 views
Economic Indicators: Job Market and Nike's Performance in Focus

Economic Indicators: Job Market and Nike's Performance in Focus

Upcoming reports on job openings, Nike's earnings, and September employment data offer insights into the U. S. economy. Analysts anticipate slight changes in job market trends.

Business, Economics • September 30 2024 , 12:17 PM  •  132 views
U.S. Jobless Claims Hit 4-Month Low as Fed Shifts Economic Strategy

U.S. Jobless Claims Hit 4-Month Low as Fed Shifts Economic Strategy

U. S. unemployment benefit applications dropped to a 4-month low, signaling a resilient job market. The Federal Reserve's recent rate cut aims to balance inflation control with employment support.

Business, Economics • September 27 2024 , 10:18 AM  •  15 views
Navigating Workplace Challenges: When a Tailored Role Leads to Tension

Navigating Workplace Challenges: When a Tailored Role Leads to Tension

A small firm's VP grapples with an employee's difficult behavior after creating a custom role. Advice on addressing insecurity, setting boundaries, and reassessing the arrangement is provided.

Society, Business • September 27 2024 , 10:07 AM  •  13 views
Harris to Unveil Domestic Manufacturing Boost Plan in Key Swing State

Harris to Unveil Domestic Manufacturing Boost Plan in Key Swing State

U. S. Vice President Kamala Harris set to propose new incentives for domestic manufacturing in Pennsylvania. The move comes as both candidates intensify focus on economic issues ahead of the November election.

Economics, Politics • September 25 2024 , 09:10 AM  •  354 views
East and Gulf Coast Ports Face Potential Strike as Labor Talks Stall

East and Gulf Coast Ports Face Potential Strike as Labor Talks Stall

Biden administration monitors negotiations between longshoremen and maritime alliance as October 1 strike deadline looms. Officials encourage continued talks to prevent supply chain disruptions.

Business, Economics, Politics • September 24 2024 , 11:19 PM  •  475 views
U.S. Workforce System May Perpetuate Racial Employment Inequities: Report

U.S. Workforce System May Perpetuate Racial Employment Inequities: Report

A new study suggests the U. S. public workforce system might be exacerbating racial disparities in employment for Black Americans. The report proposes sector partnerships as a potential solution to address these inequities.

Society, Economics, Politics • September 23 2024 , 10:54 PM  •  4992 views
U.S. Labor Department Intervenes as East Coast Port Strike Looms

U.S. Labor Department Intervenes as East Coast Port Strike Looms

U. S. Labor Department reaches out to maritime alliance as potential East Coast and Gulf Coast port strike approaches. Strike could impact major ports handling 50% of U.S. imports starting October 1.

Business, Economics, Politics • September 23 2024 , 04:48 PM  •  435 views
Federal Employees Honored at Sammies Gala, Showcasing Civil Service Excellence

Federal Employees Honored at Sammies Gala, Showcasing Civil Service Excellence

The Service to America Medals ceremony celebrated outstanding federal employees, highlighting their crucial contributions across various sectors. The event underscored the importance of a merit-based civil service system.

Society, Politics, Science • September 20 2024 , 03:39 PM  •  582 views
U.S. Wholesale Prices Slow, Signaling Potential Fed Rate Cut

U.S. Wholesale Prices Slow, Signaling Potential Fed Rate Cut

U. S. wholesale prices rose modestly in August, indicating cooling inflation. This trend may prompt the Federal Reserve to consider interest rate cuts, aligning with actions of other central banks globally.

Business, Economics • September 12 2024 , 01:45 PM  •  474 views
ABM Industries Challenges Labor Department's Constitutional Authority

ABM Industries Challenges Labor Department's Constitutional Authority

ABM Industries sues U. S. Department of Labor, claiming unconstitutional proceedings. Lawsuit follows recent Supreme Court ruling, raising questions about administrative judges' authority and contractors' rights.

Business, Politics • September 10 2024 , 05:43 PM  •  573 views
Biden Administration Finalizes Rule to Boost Mental Health Care Access

Biden Administration Finalizes Rule to Boost Mental Health Care Access

New regulation aims to ensure affordable mental health services for 175 million Americans with private insurance. Set to take effect in 2026, it addresses gaps in current parity law implementation.

Society, Politics • September 9 2024 , 10:47 AM  •  657 views
Key Economic Indicators and Corporate Earnings on Tap This Week

Key Economic Indicators and Corporate Earnings on Tap This Week

Upcoming reports from Dave & Buster's and Kroger, along with the August inflation data, are set to provide insights into consumer spending and economic trends in the United States.

Business, Economics • September 9 2024 , 09:23 AM  •  523 views
US Job Market Shows Resilience: August Hiring Up, Unemployment Dips

US Job Market Shows Resilience: August Hiring Up, Unemployment Dips

August saw an increase in US hiring and a drop in unemployment, indicating a resilient job market. The Federal Reserve may consider interest rate cuts as inflation approaches its target.

Business, Economics • September 6 2024 , 01:02 PM  •  403 views
Trailblazer Betty Jean Hall: Revolutionizing Women's Role in Coal Mining

Trailblazer Betty Jean Hall: Revolutionizing Women's Role in Coal Mining

Betty Jean Hall, founder of the Coal Employment Project, challenged discrimination in the mining industry. Her groundbreaking work opened doors for women in one of America's most dangerous professions.

Society, Culture • August 29 2024 , 03:47 AM  •  1767 views
BLS Faces Scrutiny Over Job Data Release Delays and Information Leaks

BLS Faces Scrutiny Over Job Data Release Delays and Information Leaks

The Bureau of Labor Statistics encountered technical issues causing delays in releasing crucial job data. Some firms obtained information prematurely, raising concerns about fairness and data integrity in economic reporting.

Business, Economics • August 28 2024 , 05:09 PM  •  681 views
Asian Markets Mixed as Investors Await Powell's Jackson Hole Speech

Asian Markets Mixed as Investors Await Powell's Jackson Hole Speech

Asian stock markets showed mixed performance as investors anticipate Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole. Japan's central bank hints at potential gradual interest rate increases.

Business, Economics • August 23 2024 , 08:29 AM  •  475 views
U.S. Job Growth Revised Down, Reinforcing Fed's Rate Cut Plans

U.S. Job Growth Revised Down, Reinforcing Fed's Rate Cut Plans

U. S. job growth from April 2023 to March 2024 was revised down by 818,000 jobs. This adjustment, along with recent employment trends, supports the Federal Reserve's intention to reduce interest rates.

Business, Economics • August 21 2024 , 06:08 PM  •  524 views
Navigating Religious Content in Public Sector Workplace Meetings

Navigating Religious Content in Public Sector Workplace Meetings

A city employee grapples with religious discussions in staff meetings led by the city manager. Expert advice offers strategies for addressing workplace religious expression while maintaining professional relationships.

Society, Culture • August 15 2024 , 11:09 AM  •  312 views
Missouri's ESG Investment Rule Overturned by Federal Judge

Missouri's ESG Investment Rule Overturned by Federal Judge

A federal judge in Missouri struck down a state rule limiting ESG considerations in investment advice, citing conflicts with federal law and free speech violations. The decision impacts the ongoing debate over ESG investing.

Business, Economics, Politics • August 14 2024 , 09:12 PM  •  723 views