OUR MISSION is to promote a fair global playing field for workers in the United States and around the world – by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards, and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking.
The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) leads the U.S. government’s efforts to improve working conditions and fight labor exploitation around the world. Our work reflects the values of the American people as it furthers the interests of our workers and businesses.
ILAB negotiates, monitors, and strictly enforces the labor provisions of U.S. trade agreements and preference programs. These efforts have led to improved laws and enforcement among many key trading partners.
ILAB has a quarter century of experience overseeing technical assistance projects to improve worker rights and fight child labor in over 90 countries. ILAB’s projects have trained over 50,000 labor inspectors and contributed to reducing child labor by more than 78 million worldwide.
Our unparalleled, in-depth reporting on child labor and forced labor spurs concrete actions to address these abuses and helps stem the flow of goods made with forced labor from entering the United States.
Going forward, ILAB will continue to strengthen and consolidate the gains we have made over our 70-year history as we defend the dignity of work abroad in order to safeguard it here at home.