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OPA News Release: [06/29/2006]
Contact Name: Melinda
Thielen
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number:
06-1118-CHI
U.S. Secretary of Labor Emphasizes the Importance of
Education
and Training in Workers' Lifelong Earnings
MILWAUKEE — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today
addressed the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) 77th annual
convention. Secretary Chao highlighted initiatives benefiting Hispanic American
workers, the president's economic achievements and the president's
comprehensive immigration reform plan.
"Helping traditionally underserved communities access opportunities is
one of this administration's highest priorities," said Secretary Chao. "At the
Department of Labor, we are very concerned that vulnerable immigrants know
their rights, and that they are fully and fairly compensated for their
work."
"After Hurricane Katrina, we moved quickly to protect the rights of
workers engaged in cleanup and rebuilding, and we have recovered over $1
million in back wages for them. The department asked federal agencies to
withhold more than $2 million from contractors and subcontractors until workers
are paid the wages they are due," said Secretary Chao. "The department deployed
more Spanish-speaking enforcement officers in the hurricane-impacted region and
widely distributed information about health, safety and wages, in Spanish. It
is this administration's policy that all workers are protected by our nation's
health, safety and wage laws — regardless of their status."
Secretary Chao discussed the department's initiatives increasing
Hispanic Americans' access to economic opportunities, including the Hispanic
Worker Initiative. "Our Hispanic Worker Initiative helps workers improve their
English proficiency and gain the skills required in rapidly growing
industries," said Secretary Chao.
Secretary Chao urged participation in the department's annual
Opportunity Conference that offers free workshops on networking, communications
and accessing government grant and contracting opportunities. In 2005, LULAC
was a regional partner for the Opportunity Conference. The fourth annual
conference will be in Philadelphia on Oct. 17, 2006. More information about the
conference can be found at www.opportunityconference.gov,
or www.dol.gov.
Secretary Chao praised LULAC for joining a coalition in support of
comprehensive immigration reform.
"The president is committed to comprehensive immigration reform and is
working with Members of Congress to reach a consensus on a bill that addresses
our immigration challenges," said Secretary Chao. "The president recognizes
that strengthening border security and a credible, enforceable temporary worker
program are mutually dependent. They are both necessary to protect our
homeland, to honor our nation's tradition of the melting pot, and to meet the
legitimate needs of our nation's economy."
Secretary Chao also highlighted the president's economic achievements
and current strong economic indicators.
"Despite the difficult challenges that America has confronted over the
past five years, our nation's economy is strong and growing stronger, with 5.6
percent annualized growth in the first quarter of 2006," said Secretary Chao.
"The U.S. has had 33 months of uninterrupted job growth with more than 5.3
million net jobs created since August 2003. This is more jobs than Europe and
Japan combined have created."
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