Partial Government Shutdown Closes Most Agencies Responsible For Workplace Regulation

October 1, 2025

What's New

Congress has failed to pass annual appropriations or a stopgap measure, resulting in a federal government shutdown effective October 1, 2025. Most workplace enforcement agencies – including the Labor Department’s OFCCP, Wage and Hour Division, and DOL-VETS, along with the EEOC and NLRB – have suspended nearly all operations. Only limited essential functions continue, and agency staff are largely unavailable to respond to inquiries. Some agencies, such as USCIS and ICE, remain mostly operational due to alternative funding sources or law enforcement functions.

What It Means

Employers should expect delays or suspensions in investigations, outreach, and compliance activities. Complaint intake and certain emergency litigation may continue at EEOC and NLRB, but most routine functions are paused. Online portals may remain open for submissions, but technical support and responses are unlikely. Deadlines for agency requests are not automatically extended – explicit direction from the agency is required. E-Verify may be suspended, affecting employment eligibility checks.

What You Should Do

CWC has published a resource that members may access for more details on the shutdown’s practical impact. In the meantime, employers should prepare to meet any existing compliance deadlines unless an agency announces an extension. Employers should prepare for delays in any ongoing compliance reviews or investigations and should assume that technical support will be unavailable. If you encounter issues with agency portals or filings, document your attempts and be prepared to follow up once operations resume. CWC members should submit questions about the shutdown to [email protected]. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

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