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History of the Department of Labor

Lapse in Appropriations

For workplace safety and health, please call 800-321-6742; for mine safety and health, please call 800-746-1553; for Job Corps, please call 800-733-5627 and for Wage and Hour, please call 1-866-487-9243 (1 866-4-US-WAGE).  This website is currently not being updated due to the suspension of Federal government services. The last update to the site was 10/1/2025.  Updates to the site will start again when the Federal government resumes operations.

A look back at our Secretaries of Labor, including their official portraits.

A modern showcase highlighting the life-changing contributions that a unique group of people have made on the American way of work.

Honoring labor unions that have reached their 100th anniversary.

History of the department in narrative form.

We answer the question, "Who is the real father of Labor Day?"

History of the Department of Labor

Lapse in Appropriations

Past Secretaries of Labor

Labor Hall of Honor

Century of Service

Annals of the Department

History of Labor Day