Project Firewall partnership leads to enhanced federal enforcement against discriminatory hiring practices – U.S. Department of Labor (.gov)

Inter-Agency Collaboration to Advance Sustainable Development Goals on Decent Work and Reduced Inequalities

Introduction: Upholding SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

A recent initiative by United States federal agencies aims to reinforce national commitments to Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have announced a coordinated effort to safeguard the rights and job opportunities of the domestic workforce. This action directly supports SDG Target 8.5, which calls for achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all, and Target 8.8, which emphasizes the protection of labor rights for all workers.

Core Initiative: Project Firewall and its Contribution to SDG 10

The central component of this effort is the DOL’s “Project Firewall,” an enforcement initiative designed to ensure employers prioritize qualified domestic workers. This project directly addresses the objectives of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by combating discriminatory practices that create inequalities of outcome in the labor market.

In support of this initiative, the EEOC has released new and updated educational materials to reaffirm legal protections against national origin discrimination. This action specifically targets discriminatory practices such as advertising job openings as exclusively available to H-1B visa holders, thereby contributing to SDG Target 10.3: ensuring equal opportunity and reducing inequalities of outcome by eliminating discriminatory policies and practices.

Institutional Strengthening and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 16 & SDG 17)

This whole-of-government approach exemplifies the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By fostering collaboration and policy coherence, the agencies are developing more effective, accountable, and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) and promoting non-discriminatory policies for sustainable development (Target 16.B).

The partnership involves several key federal bodies, demonstrating a commitment to SDG 17 by enhancing policy coherence for sustainable development through inter-agency cooperation. Key partners include:

• The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
• The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Key Actions and Outcomes

The coordinated strategy is designed to protect labor market integrity and prevent discriminatory hiring practices through a series of targeted actions. These actions align with the broader goal of creating an equitable and inclusive economic environment.

1. Enhanced Educational Outreach: The EEOC has published new materials to clarify employer obligations and educate workers on their rights regarding national origin discrimination.
2. Targeted Enforcement: The DOL’s Project Firewall will hold employers accountable for abuses of the H-1B visa program, ensuring American workers have a fair opportunity to compete for high-skilled jobs.
3. Data Sharing and Alignment: Federal agencies will share information and align enforcement tools, as permitted by law, to proactively combat unlawful discrimination and ensure robust enforcement.

Conclusion: A Coordinated Approach to Sustainable Development

The joint efforts of the DOL, EEOC, and other federal partners represent a significant step toward achieving key targets within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By focusing on the elimination of discriminatory employment practices, the initiative directly supports the creation of decent work opportunities (SDG 8), the reduction of inequalities (SDG 10), and the strengthening of institutional frameworks through effective partnerships (SDG 16 and SDG 17). This ensures that economic policies are inclusive and contribute to sustainable development for the entire domestic workforce.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The article’s central theme is the protection of job opportunities and fair working conditions for American workers. The “Project Firewall” initiative, which “aims to safeguard the rights, wages, and job opportunities of highly skilled American workers,” directly aligns with the goal of promoting productive employment and decent work for all.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The article explicitly addresses actions taken to “prevent discrimination against American workers” based on national origin. The EEOC’s focus on “legal protections against national origin discrimination” is a direct effort to reduce inequalities in access to employment opportunities, a core component of SDG 10.

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article highlights a “whole-of-government effort” involving the Department of Labor, EEOC, the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This collaboration to “proactively combat unlawful discrimination” and “properly enforce the law” demonstrates the development of effective and accountable institutions working to ensure justice and uphold rights.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Targets under SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all. The initiative to “ensure American workers have a fair chance to compete and succeed” and protect their job opportunities directly contributes to this target.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. The government’s enforcement actions to “hold employers accountable” for abusing visa programs and engaging in discriminatory practices are aimed at protecting labor rights and ensuring a fair and secure labor market.

2. Targets under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices. The article’s focus on preventing “discriminatory hiring practices” and the EEOC’s release of materials on “national origin discrimination” are direct actions toward eliminating discriminatory practices and ensuring equal opportunity in employment.

3. Targets under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The article describes federal agencies “working in concert,” sharing data, and aligning enforcement tools. This collaboration between the DOL, EEOC, and other partners is an example of developing more effective and accountable institutions.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development. The entire “Project Firewall” initiative and the EEOC’s actions are a clear example of enforcing non-discriminatory laws to “put an end to bad practices” and protect the workforce.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicators for SDG 8 and SDG 10

   • Number of enforcement actions: The article mentions the project includes “enforcement actions to hold employers accountable if they abuse the H-1B visa program.” Tracking the number of these actions would be a direct indicator of progress.
   • Number of investigations: The EEOC Chair states that “robust investigation and enforcement” are essential. The volume and outcome of investigations into unlawful anti-American discrimination would serve as a key metric.
   • Dissemination of educational materials: The article notes the EEOC “released new and updated educational materials.” The reach and impact of these materials could be measured as a process indicator for preventing discrimination.

2. Implied Indicators for SDG 16

   • Number of inter-agency collaborations and data-sharing agreements: The article emphasizes the importance of “sharing information and coordinating with relevant government agencies.” The formalization and number of these partnerships (e.g., with the Department of Justice and USCIS) would indicate progress in building effective institutions.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: dol.gov