DOL and NLRB Launch Partnership to Boost Whistleblower Safeguards -- Occupational Health & Safety

DOL and NLRB Launch Partnership to Boost Whistleblower Safeguards

This collaborative effort focuses on worker education and reinforcing anti-retaliation protections.

By Robert Yaniz Jr.
Nov 02, 2023

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced OSHA has joined the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aims to “strengthen the agencies’ partnership and outline procedures for information-sharing, referrals, training and outreach that explain federal anti-retaliation protections,” according to a release dated Oct. 31.

This MOU formalizes the agencies’ enhanced partnership, fostering improved cooperation and enabling more capable enforcement of worker rights and safety laws. OSHA and NLRB also co-developed a fact sheet, “Building Safe & Healthy Workplaces by Promoting Worker Voice,” to educate workers about their rights and what to do if those rights are violated in the workplace.

“Everyone should be able to exercise their legal rights in the workplace without fear of losing their job or other forms of punishment,” OSHA Assistant Secretary Doug Parker said in a statement. “Our partnership with the National Labor Relations Board will expand both of our agencies’ impact and effectiveness in protecting workers who raise concerns about workplace violations or retaliation.”

Additional information about OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program is available online.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

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