The Senate will soon hold a confirmation hearing for R. Alexander Acosta to serve as the secretary of labor, after President Donald Trump’s first pick, fast food CEO Andrew Puzder, withdrew his nomination amid intense scrutiny of his anti-worker, anti-woman record. As we continue to learn more about Trump’s new nominee, here’s a quick look at why the secretary of labor is so important to all Americans. Show
The secretary of labor plays a pivotal role as the leader of the Department of Labor, or DOL, directly affecting the daily experiences of American workers. The secretary oversees DOL’s vast portfolio, which includes protecting the safety and wages of workers; helping workers build skills and access job opportunities; analyzing labor market and workforce trends; tackling challenges facing unique segments of the workforce such as women, veterans, and workers with disabilities; and promoting new strategies to create modern workplaces that are healthy, productive, and free of discrimination. DOL’s effectiveness in accomplishing this work starts at the top, so it is critical to have a secretary of labor with an unflinching commitment to strengthening workplaces and workers alike. Here are some of the key things that the secretary of labor does and why they could matter to you. Ensuring workers are paid fair wages and overtime
How does this affect you?If you work in a job where you are paid on an hourly basis, then decisions by the secretary of labor can determine whether wage and hour laws are enforced. When violations occur, this may mean the difference between whether you receive the money you have earned or not. If you work in a job where you are eligible for overtime, decisions by the secretary of labor can determine how aggressively the department will combat employer wage theft—such as not paying overtime to eligible employees or requiring you to work off the clock—to get back the pay you’ve earned. Enforcing laws that protect the health and safety of workers
How does this affect you?
Protecting workers’ right to job-protected family and medical leave
How does this affect you?If you are eligible to use family and medical leave under the federal law, then the secretary can affect agency priorities, determining whether your claim is investigated if your employer will not let you take leave, penalizes you for taking leave, or refuses to return you to your job when your leave is finished. Combating discrimination and ensuring healthy workplaces among federal contractors
How does this affect you?
Supporting job training and apprenticeships
How does this affect you?If you are looking for job training or retraining to learn a more highly skilled trade, the funding level of these programs, influenced by the secretary of labor, may determine whether you are able to participate. It is important to have a secretary who values these programs. Collecting and analyzing dataDOL tracks data on the workforce, including data on employment, wages, inflation, and productivity. These data show wage and occupational differences by race, gender, ethnicity, and other factors that are critical for determining where there has been progress and where disparities remain. Data tracked and reported on through DOL inform national economic policy and labor policy. How does this affect you?The priorities of the secretary of labor may determine which data are researched and analyzed most deeply to then inform policy aimed at curbing discrimination and lifting wages for workers. Groups that have historically and continually experienced wage disparities may see attention drawn to or shifted away from these issues depending on the priorities of agency leadership. Protecting workers’ retirement savings
How does this affect you?President Trump has already directed DOL to review the regulation, and it has been reported that the administration is working on a proposal to delay the rule’s implementation. Even if the rule stays in place, the secretary of labor will have a significant influence on how or whether it is enforced. A secretary who is generally opposed to regulation and prioritizes business interests over those of workers could put enforcement of the fiduciary rule and other retirement protections at risk. The weakening of these protections could make it harder for workers to save for a successful retirement. ConclusionThe labor secretary plays a central role in ensuring and furthering the economic security of workers and their families. Regulations enforced by the department ensure that crucial workplace health, safety, and wage and hour laws are upheld. Strong secretaries of labor help advance modern workplaces that are fair, safe, and compatible with the realities of today’s working families. A labor secretary unwilling to ensure vigorous enforcement of the law or to address the needs of workers can have a negative impact on working families and their economic stability. Danielle Corley is a Research Associate for Women’s Economic Policy at the Center for American Progress. Jocelyn Frye is a Senior Fellow at the Center. * Note: Estimates of workers paid below the minimum wage are based on the hourly wages they report, which do not include overtime pay, tips, or commissions. The federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13 per hour. Who is responsible for regulating safety for workers in America?Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA administers the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act. Safety and health conditions in most private industries are regulated by OSHA or OSHA-approved state plans.
Who is responsible for protecting labor?The U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for mandating that organizations comply with some 180 federal laws regarding the health and safety of employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also enforces regulations pertaining to the working conditions of employees.
What is the US Department of Labor responsible for?United States
What department oversees the interest of American workers?The Department of Labor oversees federal programs for ensuring a strong American workforce.
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