DOL, NLRB Announce New Enforcement Partnership

The U.S. Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board announced a new partnership Oct. 31 to improve enforcement and understanding of worker protections.

The NLRB and OSHA signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the cooperation and coordination between the two agencies as it relates to federal anti-retaliation and whistleblower protections, as well as other statutory protections OSHA enforces.

As part of the agreement, the agencies agreed to coordinate investigations, information sharing, and training about federal laws. 

Worker safety and health protections fall under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the National Labor Relations Act. 

The two agencies have historically engaged in cooperative efforts and memoranda of understanding since 1975. 

This initiative supersedes previous agreements. It will last for at least five years. Both parties can extend the MOU with written approval.