Honoring the American Worker While Driving Efficiency in 2025
Introduction: A Historic Milestone
As we count down to America’s 250th anniversary, 2025 marks a pivotal year. We refocused on the American worker, reflected on a legacy of innovation and resilience, and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening the American workforce. Through efficiency gains, expanded compliance assistance, and enforcement, WHD recovered more than $259 million in back wages for 176,957 employees nationwide in fiscal year 2025.
Click the links below to learn about the impacts we made in fiscal year 2025.
Increased Protections for U.S. Workers
In 2025, the Department of Labor strengthened protections for U.S. workers through H-1B reforms. The launch of Project Firewall is protecting America’s highly skilled workforce, strengthening labor standards, sharpening H-1B enforcement strategies, and prioritizing opportunities for American workers while keeping the nation competitive.
Enhanced Compliance Assistance
We delivered clear, accessible guidance to employers and workers through an improved compliance assistance hub, updated compliance videos on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and created a YouTube series on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Expanding Tools and Outreach to Promote Voluntary Compliance
We enhanced and relaunched two programs to help employers stay informed and compliant, including the option to request an opinion letter and the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program. We are also modernizing and streamlining our website to make it easier to navigate, reducing clutter and improving access to key digital resources.
Streamlining Access and Reducing Barriers
In 2025, we simplified processes while maintaining core protections and clear boundaries for government oversight. We developed a new online contact form, updated compliance toolkits, and strengthened partnerships to make information and assistance easier for workers and employers to access.
Impact of Back Wages
We are committed to using all tools at our disposal to hold employers accountable and achieve the greatest impact. The money we recover plays a crucial role in supporting workers and their families by enabling them to pay for housing, groceries and other necessities.
In fiscal year 2025, our enforcement efforts resulted in more than $259 million in back wages for nearly 176,957 employers. The impact of our wage recoveries averaged $1,465 per worker.
For some significant recoveries, see WHD News.
Learn more about back wages found for workers in high-violation industries.
What Does $1,465 Mean?
$1,465 represents multiple weekly paychecks to typical workers in many industries*
6+ Weeks of Groceries
3+ Months of Utilities
1+ Month of Rent
7+ Weeks of Childcare
*Based on BLS data for median wage rates and weekly hours per occupation.