What Does the Labor Secretary Do?

Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination to serve as Secretary of Labor has renewed both interest and the need to understand the role and responsibilities of this position. That’s especially true for business and the HR professionals who must be aware of and responsive to potential changes.

Role of the Secretary of Labor

At a high level, the Secretary of Labor leads the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), serving as the principal advisor to the President on labor policies. This cabinet-level position involves overseeing federal laws that govern workplace activities, including those affecting unions and employer-employee relationships.

Key Labor Secretary Responsibilities

The Secretary of Labor is a member of the executive branch and is tasked with a range of enforcement duties and taking steps to support a strong labor environment. For example:

• As a member of the executive branch, the Secretary has enforcement duties related to ensuring compliance with laws related to wages, overtime, and employment discrimination. The position is also responsible for protecting workers’ rights to fair, safe, and healthy working conditions.

• Through agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Secretary enforces regulations that create safe working environments, reduce workplace hazards, and ensure employer adherence to safety standards.
• Overseeing the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Secretary manages the collection and analysis of employment data to help monitor trends and identify potential areas of concern. The use and analysis of this data provides critical insights into labor market trends that inform policy decisions and business strategies.

• The Secretary of Labor supervises the distribution of unemployment benefits, ensuring timely and accurate support for eligible individuals. This is a vital aspect of this role as it directly impacts the nation’s workforce stability and economic health.

• While the Secretary of Labor can’t create new laws or regulations, they do indirectly influence policy development and the labor advocacy process. Advising the President and Congress, the Secretary recommends new labor laws and policies designed to improve working conditions, expanding employment opportunities, and protecting retirement and healthcare benefits.

Implications for Business and HR Professionals

The Secretary of Labor’s policies directly impact organizational operations, influencing compliance requirements, workplace safety protocols, and employee relations. Staying informed about the Department’s initiatives is critical for HR professionals—and, especially, HR leaders—to navigate regulatory landscapes effectively and align company practices with federal standards.

Understanding the scope of the Secretary of Labor’s role helps businesses anticipate changes in labor policies and adapt strategies to maintain compliance and promote positive workplace environments.

Are you wondering whether the contract employee laws and regulations will change with the incoming presidential administration? Let us help you! Join our employment experts who will discuss how the incoming U.S. Secretary of Labor will change and shape the HR industry. Be there on January 13 at 11:30am EST!

Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.

The post <strong>What Does the Labor Secretary Do?</strong> appeared first on HR Daily Advisor.