The United States Secretary of Labor is the head of the Department of Labor (DOL), a cabinet-level agency established in 1913 to oversee the nation’s workforce and labor policies. As the principal advisor to the President on labor matters, the Secretary plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s approach to employment, workplace safety, and economic well-being. The DOL manages a vast portfolio, including the enforcement of over 180 labor laws, oversight of occupational safety through OSHA, administration of unemployment benefits, and the collection and analysis of employment data via the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Secretary’s responsibilities are wide-ranging: ensuring fair wages and overtime, protecting workers’ rights, promoting safe and healthy working conditions, and advising on the development of new labor regulations and legislation. The position also involves reporting to Congress and collaborating with other federal agencies to address workforce challenges. Notable Secretaries include Frances Perkins, the first woman in a presidential cabinet, and Elaine Chao, the first Asian American woman in such a role. The Secretary of Labor is eleventh in the presidential line of succession, underscoring the position’s importance. In recent years, the DOL has taken significant steps to modernize and streamline workforce development programs, such as partnering with the Department of Education to integrate federal workforce and education systems. This collaboration aims to better prepare Americans for high-skilled jobs and to simplify the administration of career and adult education programs. As of 2025, Lori Chavez-DeRemer serves as the 30th Secretary of Labor, continuing the department’s mission to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of wage earners, job seekers, and retirees. The DOL’s work is crucial for maintaining a strong, equitable, and competitive labor market in the United States.