The Bureau Labor Statistics (BLS) is one of the oldest statistical agencies of the United States government and predates the agency—the Department of Labor—that it is now part of. Over its history, the Bureau has published data on prices, wages and compensation, workplace accidents, strikes and lockouts, as well as many reports on women’s employment in particular industries, safety problems in some of the more dangerous sectors, and many other topics.
The genesis for a federal labor statistics agency begins in1869/1870 when Massachusetts became the first state to create a bureau of statistics. The push for the federal government to collect labor-oriented data began in earnest in 1883 when the Senate Committee on Education & Labor held hearings around the country on the state onlabor strife and living/working conditions. Many witnesses recommended the government create a federal agency to investigate labor matters and in particular, collect data. Advocates included Carroll D. Wright who was the chief of the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Massachusetts, as well as labor organizations like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor. On June 27, 1884 a bill signed into law (23 Stat. 60) by President Chester Arthur created the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The new department was placed in the Department of the Interior and Carroll D. Wright became its first Commissioner.
The agency quickly got to work and started their long history of publishing all matter of data and within four years they produced their first consumer expenditure survey. In 1902 they published wholesale prices (later called the Producer Price Indexes) and in 1913 they published the Consumer Price Indexes. In 1895they began publishing many of the reports and statistics through The Bulletin and later, in 1915, they introduced the Monthly Labor Review. It wasn't until 1949 that they began to publish one of their other well-known titles, the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Beyond that, the BLS has published many other reports and statistical data products.
Administratively, over its history, the Bureau has moved around. When it was founded it was placed in the Department of Interior but it didn't stay there.
- In June 1888 it became an independent department with the passage of the Department of Labor Act.
- In February 1903 it was transferred to the newly created Department of Commerce and Labor with the Department of Commerce Act.
- In March 1913 it was transferred again to the newly created Department of Labor.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is still part of the Department of Labor and as of 2022, there have been 15 Commissioners including Janet Norwood who became the first woman to be appointed Commissioner in 1979. The Bureau continues to publish a wealth of data used by students, academics, economists, and government officials.
I am a seasoned expert with a profound understanding of labor statistics in the United States. My expertise is rooted in the historical evolution of labor data collection, and I have a comprehensive knowledge of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and its significant role in shaping our understanding of various aspects of the labor market.
The BLS, established in 1884, stands as one of the oldest statistical agencies in the U.S. government. Its origins trace back to the labor-oriented data collection initiatives in Massachusetts in the late 19th century. The Senate Committee on Education & Labor, in 1883, conducted hearings on labor strife and working conditions, prompting the creation of a federal agency dedicated to investigating labor matters and collecting data.
Carroll D. Wright, the chief of the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Massachusetts, played a pivotal role in advocating for the establishment of a federal labor statistics agency. The bill signed into law by President Chester Arthur on June 27, 1884, marked the official creation of the BLS, with Carroll D. Wright becoming its first Commissioner.
The BLS embarked on its mission promptly, publishing a wide array of data over the years. Notably, in 1902, wholesale prices (later known as the Producer Price Indexes) were introduced, followed by the Consumer Price Indexes in 1913. The agency's commitment to providing valuable insights into labor-related topics led to the creation of publications such as The Bulletin in 1895 and the Monthly Labor Review in 1915. In 1949, the Occupational Outlook Handbook, another well-known title, was added to their repertoire.
Administratively, the BLS underwent several changes in its placement within government departments. Initially part of the Department of the Interior, it later became an independent department in 1888, moved to the Department of Commerce and Labor in 1903, and finally found its place in the Department of Labor in 1913.
As of 2022, the BLS has had 15 Commissioners, with Janet Norwood making history as the first woman appointed Commissioner in 1979. The Bureau remains an integral part of the Department of Labor, consistently providing a wealth of data that serves as a valuable resource for students, academics, economists, and government officials alike.
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