Virgin Islands Labor Department’s 2025 Budget Under Scrutiny

V.I. Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy detailed his department’s proposed $20.1 million fiscal year 2025 budget Thursday, emphasizing to senators its critical role in supporting workforce development and maintaining labor standards.

“Our proposed budget reflects the necessary allocations to achieve our goals while navigating funding challenges,” stated Molloy during a Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriations meeting. The budget includes a General Fund appropriation of $13,637,468, supplemented by $6,316,058 from federal grants and $191,722 from penalties and interest.

Key budget allocations are $4,441,246 for personnel services, $4,408,343 for fringe benefits, $472,902 for supplies, $4,074,146 for other services, and $240,831 for utilities. VIDOL employs 109 individuals, with union representation from the Seafarers International Union of North America and United Steelworkers unions. “Our team is composed of dedicated professionals committed to supporting the Virgin Islands’ workforce,” Molloy said.