About ILAB
Since 1995, ILAB grants have supported more than 400 projects in over 90 countries and have contributed to the removal of more than 86 million children from child labor.
The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) is part of the U.S. Department of Labor.
ILAB is America's global watchdog for worker rights. Created by President Truman after World War II, ILAB strengthens global labor standards, enforces labor commitments in U.S. trade agreements, and fights against some of the world's worst labor abuses, like child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking.
By improving labor conditions globally, ILAB helps create fairer competition for American workers and businesses, ensuring that the products on American store shelves are not made by exploiting vulnerable workers overseas.
ILAB’s work has helped millions by supporting education, improving labor laws, and promoting fair treatment of workers and better working conditions, while defending human rights and supporting strong, ethical global trade that benefits everyone. In addition to its research, trade negotiations, and diplomatic engagements, ILAB funds projects that support worker rights through its international grants program, which accounts for the majority of the office’s budget.
Why Defend ILAB?
In our interconnected global economy, protecting workers abroad isn't just the right thing to do; it is essential for American prosperity, diplomacy, and security. ILAB's programs don't just save children from dangerous mines and adults from slavery-like conditions; they ensure American workers can compete on a fair playing field by preventing companies from gaining unfair advantages through exploitation.
When we allow child labor in cocoa farms or forced labor in cotton fields to go unchecked, we're not just betraying our values—we're undermining American jobs, wages, and businesses that play by the rules. ILAB's work strengthens our trade agreements, enhances our national security, and upholds the moral leadership that has defined America for generations.
Defending ILAB means defending both human dignity and American economic interests, because when workers anywhere are exploited, workers everywhere suffer the consequences.