The House’s plan to cut the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) by $95 million would put workers’ safety at risk as funding for training and enforcement of labor laws would be dramatically reduced.
“OSHA is already strapped for resources, and this will make it worse,” said AFGE Health and Safety Specialist Milly Rodriguez. “It affects enforcement which means OSHA inspectors wouldn't be doing the necessary inspections when workers file complaints. It's already hard to get an actual inspection because OSHA just can't get around to all the workplaces that have problems.”
The bill would cut nearly $4 billion from the Department of Labor budget overall, representing a $5.7 billion decrease from the President’s budget request.
The bill also reduces labor enforcement agencies by 18%, including OSHA and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). It would also reduce critical research and training by $115 million at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which conducts research and makes recommendations for work injury and illness prevention.
AFGE earlier this month sent a letter to Congress urging members to reverse the cuts.
“This would equate to the loss of significant resources and severely threaten the agencies’ missions to ensure safe and healthy working conditions throughout America’s workplaces,” said AFGE Legislative Department Director Julie Tippens. “AFGE urges Congress to ensure adequate funding and workforce protections for OSHA and MSHA employees in the FY 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.”
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