In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has announced the cancellation of millions of dollars in international grants previously managed by a division of the Department of Labor, known as the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB). These grants were designed to combat the pervasive issues of child labor and forced labor on a global scale.

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs has played a crucial role in reducing the number of child laborers worldwide, reportedly helping to decrease this figure by an impressive 78 million over the past two decades. This achievement was largely made possible through grants provided to numerous international organizations dedicated to improving labor conditions and ensuring compliance with international labor standards.

However, in a move that has raised eyebrows, Elon Musk’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has decided to terminate all of ILAB’s grant programs. This information came to light through an internal email sent to Department of Labor employees, which was obtained by the Associated Press. The email indicated that the programs funded by these grants would be shut down, prompting widespread concern among advocates for labor rights.

The grants in question supported various non-profit and non-governmental organizations operating in regions where labor exploitation is prevalent. For instance, one project aimed at eradicating forced labor practices in Uzbekistan, where farmers and children were reportedly coerced into picking cotton. Another initiative trained agricultural workers in Mexico about their labor rights, particularly targeting the end of child labor in the tobacco sector. Reid Maki, coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition, highlighted a project in West Africa that worked to stop the alarming practice of sending ten-year-old children into the fields to harvest cacao beans while wielding machetes.

Maki expressed grave concerns about the future, stating, “We were on a path to eliminating the scourge of child labor, and now, if ILAB is defunded and programs are closed, we’re looking at a potential explosion of child labor.” His remarks underscore the potential reversal of progress in this critical area.

The cancellation of these grants reflects similar actions taken by the Trump administration and DOGE regarding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Under this administration, funding for foreign humanitarian efforts has been either frozen or cut, further complicating the landscape of international aid.

In a statement, Department of Labor spokesperson Courtney Parella referred to the grants as “paused” and emphasized that the Trump administration was fulfilling a mandate to decrease federal spending and eliminate perceived wastefulness. “Americans don’t want their hard-earned tax dollars bankrolling foreign handouts that put America last,” Parella stated in an email. She also mentioned a commitment to improving oversight and accountability within the Department while prioritizing American workforce investments.

Historically, ILAB has invested approximately $500 million in grants aimed at combating modern slavery among both children and adults. Catherine Feingold, the international director of the AFL-CIO, noted that the bureau has been instrumental in producing annual reports that track labor conditions and identify products made through child labor. This information has been vital for American companies assessing their supply chains for unethical labor practices.

Feingold warned about the implications of these grant cancellations, expressing concern that the U.S. would see an increase in products produced through forced and child labor, both domestically and internationally. “We’re going so far back in time here, allowing forced labor and child labor to go rampant in the global economy,” she said.

Currently, an estimated 160 million children are engaged in child labor, with around 79 million involved in hazardous work that jeopardizes their safety and education. Maki pointed out that children laboring in West African cacao fields often face life-threatening conditions, including exposure to dangerous chemicals and severe injuries while using sharp tools like machetes.

In response to the termination of these grants, various organizations have raised concerns. The American Apparel and Footwear Association, representing numerous brands and retailers, along with the Fair Labor Association, have asserted that ILAB was a crucial partner in the fight against unfair trade practices and in leveling the playing field for American workers. In a joint letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, they affirmed their reliance on ILAB’s essential work.

Meanwhile, employees within ILAB and other divisions of the Department of Labor are preparing for possible job cuts. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer recently informed employees across multiple Labor Department offices about options for deferred resignation or voluntary early retirement. Additional announcements regarding workforce reductions are anticipated in the near future, heightening fears among staff about the future of their roles.

Maki concluded by noting that eliminating expertise built over years within ILAB would severely hinder efforts to combat child labor. The Department of Labor spokesperson did not provide comments regarding workforce reduction plans.