XXI - Message from Secretary Chao

SECRETARY OF LABOR
WASHINGTON

Greetings from XXI!

A revolution is taking place in America’s workplace. With rapid advances in technology, our workforce is experiencing changes that no one imagined a decade ago. In creating the Office of the 21st Century Workforce, President Bush challenged the Department of Labor to identify opportunities for America’s workers. With that in mind, we are proud to present XXI.

Policymakers need to better understand how Americans actually work, where they work, what skills they need, and the ways in which they balance their professional and family lives. We are discovering that much in the workplace has changed, while government has often remained at a standstill. Of course, some things never change and should not change. We must protect worker safety and health, retirement security, wage and hour requirements, and equal access to jobs and promotions. But we also must be open to new and better ways to guarantee these important values.

It is our duty to take a fresh look at America’s workforce. Workers, employers, and unions must join hands in response to the workplace as it is, and prepare for the one just over the horizon. This premier issue of XXI is part of that fresh look and will hopefully serve as a catalyst to build a more rewarding and fulfilling workplace for all Americans.

Sincerely,

Elaine L. Chao

Next