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OPA News Release: [08/08/2006]
Contact Name: Melinda Thielen
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 06-1347-SAN

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Addresses 37th General Convention of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Union on Importance of Worker Training

Lauds Union's Skills Training — "A Safe Bet"

LAS VEGAS — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today addressed the attendees of the 37th General Convention of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. The secretary noted the commitment of the United Association (UA) to provide training and educational opportunities to their members, and for helping to rebuild the Gulf Coast devastated by last year's hurricanes and recruiting veterans. She thanked the union, which represents over 300,000 plumbers and pipe fitters, for joining with the U.S. Department of Labor in helping to keep America's workplaces drug-free.

"A clear trend is emerging in our workforce. The majority of new jobs being created require higher skills and more educational attainment than before," said Secretary Chao. "Some of the strongest demand is for workers with specialized training in the skilled trades like the UA provides in its apprenticeship program.

"The UA is placing its bet on the future by investing over $120 million a year to train approximately 100,000 apprentices and journeymen in over 400 local training facilities at any given time. As they say in Las Vegas, that's a safe bet," said Secretary Chao. "Our country is experiencing a skills gap — the growing mismatch between the skills required for the new jobs being created and the skills of our workforce. That's why the Department of Labor invests the largest part of its budget in apprenticeship and other training programs."

Secretary Chao also thanked UA members for their continuing efforts to ensure safe and healthy conditions for workers. In July 2006, the UA, along with three other unions and five contractor associations, joined the Department of Labor in signing the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance. This agreement brings together labor, management, and government to help prevent alcohol and drug use on the job, and to encourage a drug-free culture at work.

"All of us here share a commitment to ensuring that our nation's workers remain the safest and healthiest in the world. That's why I recently invited the UA to become a member of the Department of Labor's Alliance for a Drug-Free Workplace," said Secretary Chao. "Last month, the UA, three other unions and five contractor associations joined us in an unprecedented expansion of this alliance. This fall, the alliance will conduct the first-ever 'Drug-Free Work Week' campaign to further heighten awareness of the benefits of drug-free workplace programs."

For more information on the Department of Labor and the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, please visit www.dol.gov.