As an organization with diverse functions, the U.S. Department of Labor carries out its mission through a number of offices and agencies. These are organized into major program areas, and headed by an Assistant Secretary or other official. Our work reflects the values of the American people as it furthers the interests of our workers and businesses.

 

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

 

Bureau of International Labor Affairs

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) mission is to promote a fair global playing field for workers in the United States and around the world by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards, and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) work supports the President's and the Secretary of Labor's labor and foreign policy objectives and meets congressional mandates.

Within the Bureau of International Labor Affairs is the Office of Trade and Labor Affairs (OTLA). The mission of OTLA is to work to ensure that U.S. trade agreements are fair for American workers and workers around the world. We use all available tools – including negotiating strong labor provisions in our trade agreements and preference programs, monitoring for compliance, enforcing trade agreement and preference program commitments, and sharing technical expertise – to make sure that U.S. trade partners fulfill their promises and play by the rules, and that American workers are able to compete on a level playing field.

 

Labor Policy & Diplomacy

The Office of International Relations and Economic Research promotes ILAB's mission through both bilateral and multilateral engagement. We represent, coordinate, and facilitate U.S. Government participation in the labor components of all major international organizations that deal with labor and employment issues.

We also work closely with the U.S. Department of State to ensure the inclusion of appropriate labor and employment issues in U.S. foreign relations and to keep U.S. foreign policy makers informed of the prominent transnational and governmental labor issues and policies that shape the global political and economic landscape. Finally, we work closely with specialized Department of Labor agencies to inform them about relevant international developments and to ensure that their interests and perspectives are represented and protected in our foreign engagements.