US Labor Department Women’s Bureau – Boston, MA

Agency Mission and Overview

Championing Working Women

The Women’s Bureau, an agency within the U.S. Department of Labor, is the only federal agency mandated by Congress to represent the needs of wage-earning women in the public policy process. The Boston Regional Office, located in the JFK Federal Building, serves the New England region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont). Established in 1920, the Bureau’s mission is to formulate standards and policies that promote the welfare of wage-earning women, improve their working conditions, increase their efficiency, and advance their opportunities for profitable employment. The office focuses on critical issues such as closing the gender wage gap, advocating for paid family and medical leave, ensuring access to quality and affordable childcare, and protecting the rights of pregnant and nursing workers. By conducting research and sharing data, the Bureau informs legislation and helps employers create more equitable workplaces 👩‍⚖️.

Key Initiatives and Resources

The Boston office actively engages with community organizations, unions, and state agencies to implement federal initiatives at the local level. Key programs include Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO), which awards grants to recruit and train women for high-growth careers in construction, manufacturing, and technology. The Bureau also provides extensive resources on employment rights, offering guides on protection against discrimination, harassment, and unsafe working conditions. They host webinars and roundtables to discuss the economic security of older women and the impact of the “care economy.” While the office is primarily administrative and policy-focused, it serves as a vital hub for information, connecting women with the legal and educational resources they need to succeed in the workforce.

• Policy Advocacy: Developing standards to improve female workers’ welfare.
• Grant Programs: Funding training for women in nontraditional industries (WANTO).
• Data & Research: Publishing statistics on the gender pay gap and labor force participation.
• Worker Rights: Educating the public on protections for pregnant and nursing employees.
• Community Outreach: Collaborating with local stakeholders to advance economic equity.

Visiting the JFK Federal Building

The Women’s Bureau is housed in the John F. Kennedy Federal Building at 15 Sudbury Street, a major hub for federal operations in Boston. Security at this facility is extremely strict, comparable to airport screening. All visitors must enter through the main security checkpoint, present a valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport), and pass through metal detectors. Bags and personal items are X-rayed. Weapons, sharp objects (including pocket knives), and pepper spray are strictly prohibited. Visitors should arrive early to allow time for this process. While the office is open for business, it is highly recommended to contact staff by phone or email to schedule an appointment, as many functions are handled remotely or through digital channels.

Location and Transit

Located in the Government Center area, the JFK Federal Building is exceptionally well-connected to public transportation. The Government Center station (Blue and Green Lines) and Haymarket station (Orange and Green Lines) are located directly across the street. The Bowdoin station on the Blue Line is also adjacent to the building. Numerous MBTA bus routes serve the Congress Street and Sudbury Street area. Parking in this part of Boston is difficult and expensive; the on-site garage is generally reserved for employees, so visitors driving to the office must use nearby commercial garages like the Government Center Garage. Given the traffic and cost, public transit is the preferred method of travel.