Promoting Labor Diplomacy
The Department of Labor (DOL), represented by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs' Office of International Relations (OIR), has a long-term institutional relationship with the Department of State (DOS) to carry out the U.S. Government's (USG) labor diplomacy function. Over the years, DOL has worked closely with DOS to ensure the inclusion of labor and employment issues in U.S. foreign relations. Employment issues and labor organizations play a prominent role in the domestic politics, policies, and economies in many countries and it is important that the USG stay informed on developments in this area.
Joint Award for Excellence in Labor Diplomacy
The Joint Award for Excellence in Labor Diplomacy, first awarded in 1999, is made for advancing U.S. international labor policy objectives and for outstanding contributions in reporting, analysis, advocacy and policy recommendations on labor developments and issues. A panel composed equally of DOL and DOS representatives select the winner and runner-up, and their choices are confirmed by the panel co-chairs, currently the Associate Deputy Undersecretary of Labor for International Affairs and the State Department's Special Representative for International Labor Affairs. The award certificate, signed by the Secretaries of Labor and State, is officially presented to the winner at DOS' annual awards ceremony.
Recent winners are:
- 2012 — Peter T. Shea, Labor Officer, U.S. Embassy, Cairo, Egypt
- 2011 — Roy A. Perrin, Labor Officer, U.S. Embassy, Beijing, China
- 2010 — Kurt W. Aufderheide, Political/Labor Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Guangzhou, China
- 2009 — Lucy M. Chang, Labor Officer, U.S. Embassy, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Questions?
J. William Brumfield
(202) 693-4791
brumfield.william@dol.gov
