Department of Labor

Definition

The Department of Labor is a U.S. government agency responsible for promoting the welfare of job seekers, wage earners, and retirees by improving their working conditions, advancing opportunities for profitable employment, and protecting retirement and health care benefits. It also enforces federal labor laws regarding workplace safety and hours, wages, and pensions.

Related terms

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): A federal law that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): An agency within the Department of Labor that imposes safety regulations to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA): A federal law that sets standards for most voluntarily established pension and health plans in private industry to provide protection for individuals in these plans