Department of Labor

Labor, Department of, federal department, independent since 1913, responsible for U.S. workers' welfare. Headed by the secretary of labor, a cabinet member, it is concerned with the enforcement of federal laws regulating hours, wages, and safety measures, collects and issues industrial statistics, administers job-training programs, and provides information in labor disputes. Its specialized divisions include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Employment and Training Administration, the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, and the Labor-Management Services Administration.