Obama Budget Swells Osha Enforcement, Labor Compliance Staff Ranks

The Labor Department’s $13.3 billion in discretionary funds requested for fiscal year 2010 supports the hiring of 160 new Occupational Safety & Health Administration enforcement staff; 670 new worker protection program investigators, and, 200 new Wage & Hour Division investigators

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor; CP staff

The Labor Department’s $13.3 billion in discretionary funds requested for fiscal year 2010 supports the hiring of 160 new Occupational Safety & Health Administration enforcement staff; 670 new worker protection program investigators, and, 200 new Wage & Hour Division investigators. Department officials characterize the new budget as one that begins to restore worker protection programs and revitalize employment opportunities.

A 10 percent increase for worker protection agencies will enable the Labor Department to vigorously protect wages and working conditions of the 135 million workers in more than 7.3 million workplaces. Added worker protection investigators would bring in FY2010 a headcount comparable to FY2001–matching staff levels at the Clinton administration sunset. Beyond OSHA and worker protection, the department seeks $9 billion to fund next year’s employment and training programs, including $50 million for green jobs initiatives.