Memorandum of Understanding Between the U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Trade Commission - Purpose, Scope, and Coordination Activities

Sep 11, 2026

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Memorandum of Understanding sets out the voluntary good-faith framework for collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Trade Commission. It describes the purpose and scope for strengthening information sharing, coordinated investigations and enforcement, and joint training, education, research, and outreach. The document explains each Agency’s statutory roles, clarifies the MOU creates no legally binding obligations or enforceable rights, and outlines procedures through designated points of contact, including regular meetings, shared topics, and coordination mechanisms.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time4 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose and Scope

Coordination Activities

Agency Points of Contact

Coordinated Investigations and Enforcement

Memorandum of Understanding Between The U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Trade Commission I. Purpose and Scope The United States Department of Labor (hereinafter referred to as the “DOL”) and the Federal Trade Commission (hereinafter referred to as the “FTC”) (collectively referred to as “the Agencies”) recognize the value of strengthening our collaborative relationship. The Agencies enter into this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen the Agencies’ partnership through greater cooperation and coordination in information sharing, investigations and enforcement activity, training, education, research, and outreach. This MOU is intended to memorialize this understanding between the Agencies. This MOU is a voluntary agreement that expresses the good-faith intentions ofthe Agencies. This MOU does not create legally binding obligations on the Agencies, contractual or otherwise, and does not create any right enforceable against the Agencies or any of their officers or employees or anyother person. This MOU also does not confer upon any third party any right and specifically does not confer on any third party the ability directly or indirectly to obtain, suppress, or exclude any information shared pursuant to this MOU, or to challenge a request under this MOU. This MOU does not obligate and will not result in an exchange of funds, personnel, property, or services, or any kind of financial commitment. This MOU outlines procedures to be followed by both Agencies in working together to address the need for information sharing, coordinated investigations and enforcement activity, training, education, research, and outreach between the Agencies. The DOL’s worker protection enforcement agencies enforce and administer numerous worker protection statutes, including those governing occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, mine safety, and workplace-related benefits. The FTC enforces the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”), 15 U.S.C. § 41 et seq., and other laws and regulations that prohibit, among other things, unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The FTC aims to prevent anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices through effective law enforcement, advocacy, research, and education. By entering into this MOU, the Agencies do not imply an endorsement or promotion by either Agency of the policies, programs, or services of the other. Nothing in this MOU will be interpreted as limiting, superseding, or otherwise affecting the Agencies ’ normal operations or decisions in carrying out their statutory or regulatory duties, or duties under any Executive Order. Nothing in this MOU modifies either Agency’s ability, responsibility, or obligation to comply with or enforce the laws and regulations within its respective jurisdiction. This MOU also does not limit or restrict the Agencies from participating in similar activities or arrangements with other entities. The Agencies share an interest in protecting and promoting competition in labor markets and promoting the welfare of American workers. The Agencies share an interest in protecting workers who have been harmed or may be at risk of being harmed as a result of unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Such methods, acts, or practices include collusive behavior; the use of business models designed to evade legal accountability, such as themisclassification of employees; illegal claims and disclosures about earnings and costs associated with work; the imposition of one-sided and restrictive contract provisions, such as noncompete and nondisclosure provisions; the extent and impact of labor market concentration; and the impact of algorithmic decision-making on workers. The Agencies therefore enter into this MOU to advance these interests and promote interagency collaboration to the fullest extent desired by the Agencies and permitted by law. II. Coordination Activit

FAQs

What is the purpose of the MOU between the Department of Labor and the FTC?

The MOU is intended to strengthen the partnership through greater cooperation and coordination, including information sharing, coordinated investigations and enforcement activity, and joint training, education, research, and outreach.

Does the MOU create legally binding obligations?

No. It is a voluntary agreement reflecting good-faith intentions and does not create legally binding obligations, contractual or otherwise, or any enforceable rights.

How are coordination responsibilities handled in the MOU?

Each Agency designates specific points of contact, which meet regularly (at least quarterly) to discuss mutual topics and establish procedures for coordinating related efforts. Topics include collaboration, approaches to identifying and remedying violations, access to information, training, public outreach, and technical assistance.

Sep 11, 2026

Upload by Miles