The Office of Foreign Relations (OFR) has four integrated, core functions:
The Office of Foreign Relations carries out an active program of
technical assistance to developing and transition countries to strengthen the capacity of
ministries of labor to ensure adherence to international core labor standards, and acceptable
conditions of work, and to deliver critical training and employment services to disadvantaged
workers. OFR also reports on international labor trends and working conditions, assists the
Secretary of Labor in advancing U.S. international labor policy initiatives, coordinates with
the State Department to promote the Department’s international labor agenda abroad, and hosts
hundreds of foreign visitors annually who seek to increase their knowledge of the Department of
Labor’s laws, practices, and innovative workforce development programs.
OFR’s responsibilities have increased significantly since passage of
the Trade Act of 2002, as the Act requires the Office to conduct research on the adherence by
U.S. trading partners to international core labor standards and to provide technical assistance
to such partners if needed.
