Federal Agencies to Collaborate on Workplace Violations

As predicted in an earlier post, leaders at the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and National Labor Relations Board met virtually last week to discuss working collaboratively on identifying potential employer violations related to workers rights.

Representative from all three agencies were adamant that the collaboration is necessary due to “gaps” in federal enforcement of pay, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation laws. The threesome plan to hold cross-training sessions to better understand each other’s mission, establish a referral base for one another, and even enter joint settlements in which multiple agencies have related cases. This relationship could also allow an agency to advise a worker to file a charge or complaint with another agency and provide information on how to do so, so long as regulators believe unlawful conduct that falls under the jurisdiction of another agency has occurred.



A common goal shared by all is preventing retaliation, particularly against underserved workers in low-paying jobs, often women and people of color. Additionally, the agencies not only want to streamline interactions with those alleging violations that may intersect departments, but also to better inform relevant groups and organizations about worker rights. EEOC, for example, has built relationships with community groups, worker groups and nonprofits in its efforts to do just that. As this “Big 3” of federal labor and employment law enforcement teams up, employers should remain vigilant and ensure they are acting in accordance with the law.

If your business has any questions about this topic, or any other general employment issues, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at The Royal Law Firm at 413-586-2288.