Office of Congressional Workplace Rights
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Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) is an independent federal agency that applies workplace protection laws to the legislative branch, ensuring compliance with various labor and safety standards.
Mission
The mission of the OCWR is to promote fair, safe, healthy, and accessible working conditions within the legislative branch by enforcing applicable workplace laws, providing educational resources, and offering dispute resolution services. It aims to prevent discrimination, harassment, and unfair labor practices among congressional employees.
Parent organization
OCWR operates as an independent agency and does not have a parent organization in the traditional sense.
Legislation
OCWR was established by the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, which extended certain workplace protections to the legislative branch.
Partners
- Congressional offices and employees
- Unions representing legislative branch employees
- Other federal agencies for coordination on workplace issues
Number of employees
Approximately 30 employees work at OCWR.
Organization structure
- Office of the Executive Director oversees strategy and operations.
- General Counsel's Office handles legal enforcement and advisory roles.
- Mediation and Dispute Resolution Office manages alternative dispute resolution processes.
- Occupational Safety and Health Division conducts inspections and provides guidance.
List of programs
- Workplace Rights Education and Training
- Mediation Services for Disputes
- Occupational Safety and Health Inspections
- Accessibility Compliance
Last total enacted budget
The budget for OCWR in Fiscal Year 2023 was estimated at approximately $7 million.
Leader
OCWR is led by an Executive Director.
Services provided
OCWR provides services like administering and enforcing workplace laws within Congress, offering mediation to resolve disputes, conducting safety and health inspections, and providing education and training on rights and responsibilities under various workplace statutes. It also manages the process for legal claims and ensures accessibility in congressional facilities.
Regulations overseen
OCWR oversees the application of several federal laws within the legislative branch, including:
- **Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)** - **Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)** - **Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)** - **Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHAct)** - **Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)** - **Title VII of the Civil Rights Act**
Headquarters address
110 Second Street, SE, Washington, DC 20540
Website
Wikipedia article
wikipedia:Office of Congressional Workplace Rights