US Department of Labor releases open government plan debuts online enforcement database

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today outlined a series of steps to make its operations more transparent while expanding opportunities for public participation and collaboration.

"This plan is not just a response to the president's call for an unprecedented level of openness in government. The actions and initiatives we have announced today are also a substantive recognition of the changing needs and expectations of the working people," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

The department's plan, available on http://www.dol.gov/open/ includes a number of commitments to release additional data through the federal government's online data catalog – Data.gov.

A highlight of the plan is the launch of a new online enforcement database, which provides a single entry point for previously unavailable enforcement data of five Department of Labor agencies. Over time this site will demonstrate the value of increased transparency and encourage the public to participate in developing innovative uses of government data.

"Increasing public access to Department of Labor information is going to have a lasting impact on the way we make decisions, solve problems, and better address the challenges facing our workforce," added Solis.

The Office of Management and Budget's Open Government Directive called for each agency to publish such a plan by April 7.