Bureau of International Labor Affairs

Everyone has a right to a workplace free from violence and harassment. But 1 in 5 workers has experienced some form of physical, psychological or sexual violence on the job. Women are most at risk for sexual violence. As we start the #16DaysofActivism, we celebrate the women workers across the globe and across industries organizing to make their voices heard and their workplaces safer. When women are at the helm of worker organizations and represented equitably across organizational membership, they deliver gains that benefit all workers—including higher wages, greater social protections, leave benefits, safer workplaces and avenues for remediation. When women workers organize, their advocacy can improve the lives of women workers in particular— addressing issues like paid leave, pregnancy and nursing accommodations, and gender-based discrimination, violence and harassment. #EndGBVH Learn more about women’s worker voice: https://bit.ly/3ZjAZoq

This shopping season, remember that many electronics and other holiday gifts contain materials made with child labor and forced labor, so #KnowYourGoods before you buy. Laptops alone could be made with up to eight minerals mined by child or forced labor when companies don’t practice responsible sourcing: gold, tantalum, tin, tungsten, indium, aluminum, manganese and copper. What looks deal-icious might carry hidden costs to workers. Your purchasing power can support decent work and fair labor around the globe. Use it this holiday season and do your research on sourcing practices. https://bit.ly/4he2lmH

We were attending #ResponsibleBusiness2024 this week sharing the importance of labor standards and mitigating labor rights violations throughout company supply chains. We know that operating a global business is complex and comes with risks. U.S. companies need to be aware of the risks of doing business with the wrong actors that exploit workers in their supply chains. Check out the latest U.S. government information on responsible business conduct, including up-to-date business advisories, on our Responsible Business Conduct and Labor Rights InfoHub. https://bit.ly/4fCYQVH Responsible Business Alliance

The U.S. Department of Labor and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative today requested that the government of Mexico review an alleged denial of workers’ rights at Akwel Juarez, an automotive component manufacturing facility in Ciudad Juarez, State of Chihuahua, Mexico. https://bit.ly/3CI7unu

We were immensely honored to welcome Dolores Huerta, icon of the labor movement, to visit with ILAB’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee today. She spoke about the challenges female union leaders face in the agricultural sector and migrant workers' labor rights in the U.S. and abroad. With her famous phrase, "Sí, se puede," she inspires us all to believe in the power of collective action and perseverance to achieve better working conditions for workers. This was an opportunity for ILAB staff to reflect on how we can continue to contribute to the ongoing fight for justice, equity and inclusion through the department's work in the U.S. and around the world. We can’t thank her enough – for generously sharing her time and wisdom with us and especially for her lifetime of vital activism. #SiSePuede

Today, on #WorldFisheriesDay, we wanted to share the story of Silvana Silva, an inspection director for Ecuador’s Ministry of Labor who boards fishing vessels to detect forced labor. But the coordination needed between port authorities, the Ministry of Labor and navies makes boardings rare. Often, once inspection teams reach a boat, employers have hidden evidence of illegal activity. That’s changing thanks to our Pesca Justa project with the International Labour Organization. Through an onboard training, the project created the space for Silva to engage and coordinate with the people she needs to. Now, she feels equipped to work with other institutions and has the necessary tools to do her job effectively. In the words of Adriana Cevallos, Ecuador’s vice minister for fishing, the purpose of this work is “guaranteeing safety and dignified work for fishers.” Read Silvana’s story: https://bit.ly/4hXFqN0 #BaitToPlate

The courage of these and other migrant farmworkers to organize for stronger labor protections is awe inspiring. Yesterday’s ceremony was a reminder of the difference a few workers can make for so many when they stir them to strive collectively for better pay and working conditions. We have developed our own resources for migrant workers looking to learn about and exercise their rights on the job. Check out MigrantWorker.gov today!

Thrilled to see the International Labour Organization's e-learning tool, funded under the ILAB-supported Bridge projects, in English and now in Arabic! Designed for frontline officers and others working with vulnerable groups, this tool equips users to detect, identify, and assist victims of forced labor. https://bit.ly/4fzj4Qo

Since 1995, we've funded projects across 100 countries to support education, training and livelihood services. Our engagement has led to millions more children going to school and working-age youth learning market-relevant skills. Yet today, 160 million children remain trapped in child labor - that's 160 million too many. This World Children's Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where every child can learn, play, and thrive - free from exploitation. https://bit.ly/3OitYxW

What a week in Azerbaijan at #COP29, the United Nations annual climate conference! We had meaningful negotiations and engagements with representatives from other U.S. government agencies and foreign governments – as well as business, trade unions and broader civil society – on the importance of centering workers in #JustTransition policies and practices. Learn more about what was achieved: https://bit.ly/4hRX6tf