Chapter 12: Workplace Privacy
Federal Agencies Protecting Employee Privacy
Five federal agencies are central: the DOL (administers FLSA, OSHA, ERISA), the EEOC (Title VII, ADEA, ADA), the FTC and CFPB (unfair/deceptive practices and FCRA), and the NLRB (administers the NLRA, runs union elections).
| Agency | Key laws / role |
|---|---|
| DOL | FLSA, OSHA, ERISA; advances welfare of workers and work-related benefits |
| EEOC | Title VII, ADEA, ADA (Titles I and V); prevents workplace discrimination |
| FTC and CFPB | Unfair/deceptive practices; FCRA (limits employer use of credit, driving, criminal, and other consumer reports) |
| NLRB | Administers the NLRA; runs union elections; remedies unfair labor practices |
State DOLs too
Each state also has a labor agency (often a Department of Labor) overseeing state minimum-wage laws, minor-labor limits, unemployment insurance, and sometimes safety inspections.
Key terms - quick answers
What is “DOL”?
U.S. Department of Labor; administers federal labor laws including the FLSA, OSHA, and ERISA.
What is “EEOC”?
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; works to prevent workplace discrimination, overseeing Title VII, the ADEA, and Titles I and V of the ADA.
What is “FTC”?
Federal Trade Commission; regulates unfair and deceptive practices and enforces laws including the FCRA.
What is “CFPB”?
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; also regulates unfair and deceptive practices and enforces laws including the FCRA.