Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB)

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) carries out the international responsibilities of the Department of Labor under the direction of the Deputy Under Secretary for International Labor Affairs.

ILAB conducts research on and formulates international economic, trade, immigration, and labor policies in collaboration with other U.S. government agencies. It also provides international technical assistance in support of U.S. foreign labor policy objectives. ILAB works with other U.S. government agencies to create a more stable, secure, and prosperous international economic system in which all workers can achieve greater economic security, share in the benefits of increased international trade, and have safer and healthier workplaces where the basic rights of workers and children are respected and protected.

Among the International Labor Affairs Bureau’s responsibilities are the following:

• Representing the Department in international trade negotiations and on inter-agency trade policy forums;
• Leading U.S. government participation in the International Labor Organization and other international organizations with labor committees;
• Managing the National Administrative Office, which handles NAFTA labor issues;
• Planning, funding, and managing technical assistance to help strengthen labor laws and compliance and to advocate the acceptance of core labor standards around the globe;
• Conducting economic research on international labor issues; and
• Developing and managing programs to eliminate the worst forms of child labor and the spread of HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

The sources of ILAB’s mandate are Executive Branch initiatives, authority delegated by the Secretary of Labor, and Congressional legislation. ILAB is charged with coordinating, overseeing, and implementing a broad range of activities.

ILAB performs the following:

• Coordinates U.S. government participation in international activities dealing with labor and migration issues;
• Operates technical assistance programs;
• Publishes reports on international labor issues;
• Represents the interests of American workers in inter-agency policy reviews; and
• Assists in the formulation and implementation of international treaties dealing with labor migration, trade, and investment issues.

Among the information provided by ILAB are procurement regulations under which federal contractors who supply products on a list published by the Department of Labor must certify that they have made a good faith effort to determine whether forced or indentured child labor was used to produce the items listed.