Catherwood LibraryILR School

Labor and employment investigations across federal agencies have largely paused due to the ongoing government shutdown, delaying case resolutions for both workers and employers. Agencies like the Department of Labor, NLRB, and EEOC are operating with minimal staff, halting enforcement of key laws related to discrimination, union rights, and wage violations. While essential safety inspections and imminent threats will still be addressed, routine investigations, hearings, and outreach have been suspended. Critics warn the shutdown could create long-term case backlogs and discourage workers from filing claims. The freeze also affects visa processing and labor certifications, leaving some foreign workers in limbo.