What is a primary responsibility of the Department of Labor?

The primary responsibility of the Department of Labor is to enforce labor standards. This involves ensuring safe and fair working conditions for employees, upholding their rights, and promoting fair labor practices across various industries. The Department oversees compliance with labor laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, which sets minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor protections. By implementing and enforcing these laws, the Department of Labor plays a crucial role in protecting workers and ensuring equitable treatment in the workplace.

In contrast, negotiating international treaties typically falls under the purview of the Department of State, while promoting foreign investments may involve the Department of Commerce and various agencies focused on economic growth. Regulating telecommunications is generally the responsibility of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which focuses on communication industries rather than labor standards. Thus, the enforcement of labor standards is distinctly the function of the Department of Labor.