The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures that any person has the right to request access to federal agency records or information. Like all federal agencies, the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) has the legal obligation to disclose records requested in writing by any person. However, agencies may withhold information pursuant to nine exemptions and three exclusions contained in the statute.
How to Make a FOIA Request
There are three ways for you to make a FOIA request—by mail, fax or email. FOIA requests can be in writing, either handwritten, typed or faxed. Requests can also be submitted electronically by email. No special form is required to make your request. Find out the status of submitted FOIA requests using our FOIA tracking system.
In making your request, you should be as specific as possible regarding names, dates, places, events, subjects, etc. View FOIA Agency Descriptions to identify which agency/component(s) may hold the records you request.
By Mail
If you choose to submit your FOIA request via postal mail, and do not know which component has the records you are seeking, please mark the outside of the envelope, "Freedom of Information Request" and mail to:
Office of the Solicitor
Division of Management and Administrative Legal Services
200 Constitution Ave NW
Room N-2420
Washington, DC 20210
ATTN: FOIA Request
Personnel in that division will then forward your request to the components of the Department of Labor they believe are most likely to maintain the records you are seeking.
By Fax
You may fax a FOIA request to "FOIA Staff" at 202-693-5389
By Email
You may also submit a FOIA request addressed to any DOL agency component by sending an email to foiarequest@dol.gov. To ensure your FOIA request is forwarded to the correct Department component, you must identify which agency you believe has the records you are seeking.
Under the statute, all federal agencies are required to respond to a FOIA request within 20 business days excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. This period does not begin until the request is actually received by the FOIA office that maintains the records sought.
Other FOIA Resources
- DOL FOIA Page
- DOL Guide for Requesting FOIA Records
- DOL Annual FOIA Reports
- DOL Chief FOIA Officers Reports
- Department of Labor FOIA Regulations, effective January 23, 2017
- Freedom of Information Act - including Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments, 1996
Contact
- FOIA Coordinator: Kia Gaskins 202.693.4903
- Anita Kinney 202.693.4794
- Tricia Hidalgo 202.693.4773