North Carolina Commissioner of Labor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Commissioner of Labor of North Carolina |
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 Josh Dobson since January 9, 2021 |
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| Member of | Council of State |
| Seat | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Term length | Four years |
| Formation | 1887 |
The Commissioner of Labor in North Carolina is like the main boss of the state's Department of Labor. This important job helps make sure that people who work in North Carolina have safe and fair workplaces.
This leader is chosen by the people of North Carolina in an election every four years. Their term, or time in office, is the same length as the governor's. The Commissioner of Labor also gets to be a part of the North Carolina Council of State. This is a group of top leaders who help run the state government.
What Does the Commissioner of Labor Do?
The main job of the Commissioner of Labor is to look out for the 'health, safety, and general well-being' of all the working people in North Carolina. This means they help make sure workplaces are safe, that people are paid fairly, and that rules are followed.
The Department of Labor, led by the Commissioner, has many laws and programs. These programs touch the lives of almost everyone in the state. For example, they might check if a factory is safe or if a restaurant is following rules about how many hours someone can work. The Commissioner has the power to make sure these rules are followed to protect workers.
How the Job Started
The idea for the Commissioner of Labor began a long time ago in 1887. Back then, it was called the 'Bureau of Labor Statistics'. The governor would choose someone to be the 'Commissioner of Labor Statistics' for two years.
In 1899, things changed. People decided that the Commissioner should be elected by the public, just like today. Starting in 1900, the Commissioner was elected for a four-year term.
For many years, this department was quite small. In 1925, only 15 people worked there! But in 1931, the state government made big changes. They gave the Department of Labor more responsibilities. This helped it grow into the important agency it is today, helping millions of people across North Carolina.
Who Has Been Commissioner?
Here is a list of the people who have served as the Commissioner of Labor in North Carolina:
- Wesley N. Jones, 1887–1889
- John C. Scarborough, 1889–1892
- William I. Harris, 1892–1893
- Benjamin R. Lacy, 1893–1897
- James Y. Hamrick, 1897–1899 (Populist Party)
- Benjamin R. Lacy, 1899–1901 (Democratic Party)
- Henry B. Varner, 1901–1909 (Democratic Party)
- Mitchell L. Shipman, 1909–1925 (Democratic Party)
- Franklin D. Grist, 1925–1933 (Democratic Party)
- Arthur L. Fletcher, 1933–1938 (Democratic Party)
- Forrest H. Shuford, 1938–1954 (Democratic Party)
- Frank Crane, 1954–1973 (Democratic Party)
- William C. Creel, 1973–1975 (Democratic Party)
- Thomas Avery Nye, Jr., 1975–1977 (Republican Party)
- John C. Brooks, 1977–1993 (Democratic Party)
- Harry E. Payne Jr., 1993–2001 (Democratic Party)
- Cherie Berry, 2001–2021 (Republican Party)
- Josh Dobson, 2021-present (Republican Party)
