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"In Focus" items are up-to-the-minute news about the Secretary of
Labor's efforts to strengthen the workforce and the business community.
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December 11, 2006
Americans are working, inflation is low and wages are up as we approach the end of the year. 1,460,000 new jobs have been created in the first ten months of 2006, more new jobs than the entire combined populations of the states of North and South Dakota.
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December 1, 2006
Secretary Chao announced that 72 community college partnerships have been awarded a total of $125 million to embark on projects in industries ranging from health care and construction to advanced manufacturing and energy.
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November 21, 2006
Secretary Chao inducted the late Alfred E. Smith, former governor of New York, and the late Charles Walgreen, Sr., the founder of the Walgreen's pharmacy chain, into the Labor Hall of Fame for their contributions to the welfare of America's working men and women.
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November 15, 2006
Secretary Chao recognized six organizations for promoting equal employment opportunity today at a ceremony at the Department of Labor's Frances Perkins Building in Washington, D.C.
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November 2, 2006
Secretary Chao hosted the Labor Department's annual Salute to Veterans, recognizing veterans for their contributions in the War on Terror as well as the value they bring to America's workforce.
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October 26, 2006
Secretary Chao hosted the 5th Annual New Freedom Initiative Awards (NFI) presentation recognizing people, organizations, and companies for their outstanding efforts to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
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October 20, 2006
Secretary Chao was joined by Senator Mike DeWine in her presentation of a grant to Willie F. Walker and Don Bowen of the local and National Urban League under the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) to help low income people aged 55 and over to acquire the job skills needed by private industry in their local community.
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October 17, 2006
Secretary Chao emphasized economic
development and minority access to government resources in the 4th Annual
Opportunity Conference. The conference was attended by more than 1,000 African
American, Asian Pacific American and Hispanic American small business owners,
entrepreneurs, community and faith based leaders.
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September 27, 2006
Secretary Chao extolled the importance of the maritime industry to America's security and economy stating at an event with alumni of the Merchant Marine Academy, "When the history of this era is written, the U.S. Merchant Marine will be remembered as a key part of the effort to defend our homeland."
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September 21, 2006
Secretary Chao
joined Job Corps National Director Esther R. Johnson in launching the STARS
program to increase Job Corps students' academic achievement, career skills
attainment, and retention in the program at an event at the Woodland Job Corps
Center in Maryland.
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September 19, 2006
Secretary Chao released the final report of
the 2006 National Summit on Retirement Savings saying, "The Saver Summit's 200
delegates focused on devising strategies to help low-income workers, small
business employees, new entrants to the workforce and workers who are near
retirement, save for their future. This report is an especially useful tool for
policymakers."
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September 8, 2006
Join
Secretary Chao in remembering the fifth
anniversary of September 11, 2001 by looking through the following pictures and
reviewing the role the U.S. Department of Labor played in helping our nation
get back on her feet.
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August 31, 2006
Secretary Chao hailed the release of "America's
Dynamic Workforce 2006," a new report highlighting major trends in the American
labor market and the importance of education and skills training to maintaining
the competitiveness of America's workforce calling the American economy,
"strong and growing with unemployment low and more than 5.4 million new jobs
created from August 2003 through the first half of 2006."
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August 18, 2006
President
Bush was joined by his economic team, including Secretary Chao, at Camp David where he talked
about the gains of the economy. "Since August 2003, we have added more than 5.5
million new jobs. The unemployment rate is 4.8 percent. Behind the numbers are
stories of hard-working Americans who are realizing their dreams."
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August 15, 2006
Secretary Chao joined Representative Ralph Regula
to present a grant for $1.17 million to Stark State College. The grant will
establish a pilot program to provide out-of-school youth with training to help
them enter the growing financial services sector. The grant was issued as part
of the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative. Prior to the grant
announcement, Secretary Chao and Representative Regula toured the Ohio
Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities facility in
Canton to advocate for employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
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August 8, 2006
Citing the
growing mismatch in our country between the skills required for the new jobs
being created and the skills of our nation's workforce,
Secretary Chao praised the commitment of the
United Association (UA) to provide training and educational opportunities to
their plumber and pipe fitter members. The UA invests over $120 million a year
to train approximately 100,000 apprentices and journeymen providing the
specialized training in the skilled trades that are in high demand.
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July 21, 2006
Secretary Chao visited with active duty members of the
Louisiana National Guard in the 5th District of New Orleans, thanking them and
expressing the nation's heartfelt appreciation for their service.
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July 11, 2006
At the 2006
Workforce Innovations Conference, Secretary Chao addressed
the challenges of keeping America's workforce competitive in the worldwide
economy, and the role the Department of Labor is playing to ensure that
America's workforce has the skills that are in demand in the rapidly changing
economy. The Secretary discussed the President's American Competitiveness
Initiative, including Career Advancement Accounts, and
the Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development
(WIRED) effort. Both are designed to help America's workers access higher
education, upgrade their skills, and remain competitive in today's worldwide
economy.
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July 10, 2006
Secretary Chao was joined by leaders from five labor unions
and five contractor associations at a signing ceremony to expand the existing
multi-union Drug-Free Workplace Alliance. Established in October
2004, the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance is the Department of
Labor's first-ever cooperative agreement focusing exclusively on improving
worker safety in the construction industry through drug-free workplace
programs.
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June 29, 2006
Secretary Chao addressed the League of United
Latin American Citizens (LULAC) 77th annual convention, highlighting the
strength of the economy, initiatives benefiting Hispanic American workers and
the President's immigration reform proposals. The fourth annual Opportunity
Conference, which helps traditionally underserved communities access new
opportunities, will be held in Philadelphia on Oct. 17, 2006. More information
about the conference can be found at
www.opportunityconference.gov
or www.dol.gov.
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June 28, 2006
Secretary Chao today announced an initiative
signed by all cabinet secretaries and the heads of federal agencies pledging to
protect the jobs and benefits of their National Guard and Reserve employees.
Secretary Chao was the first non-defense cabinet member to sign the statement
of support as part of an initiative that began last October and concluded at
today's ceremony. "This is the first document in U.S. history that has been
signed by all the members of a President's Cabinet in support of the National
Guard and Reserves," said Secretary Chao. "This is an historic and sweeping
pledge to support our Guard and Reserve — not only during deployments but
also in the training that prepares them to answer the nation's call at a
moment's notice."
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June 15, 2006
President
George W. Bush signed the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER)
Act into law at a White House ceremony marking the first revisions to federal
mine safety laws since 1977. The new law requires coal mines to develop and
continuously update written plans for responding to emergencies. It strengthens
rescue team capabilities, updates wireless mine communication and tracking
systems, and establishes scholarships and grants to ensure miners have the
training and experience needed to prevent unsafe conditions. "We need to do
everything we can to continue to improve safety in our nation's mines so miners
can return home safely to their families at the end of their shifts," said
Secretary Chao.
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June 8, 2006
At the 95th
Session of the International Labor Organization in Geneva, Switzerland,
Secretary Chao delivered remarks during the
plenary session. "It is the experience of the United States that job creation
cannot be separated from economic growth," said Secretary Chao. "The role of
the government is to create the conditions for economic growth, so that the
private sector can create new jobs. The United States has experienced 33
consecutive months of job growth for a total of more than 5.3 million net new
jobs created since August 2003. The current unemployment rate in the United
States is 4.6 percent, which is lower than the average unemployment rate of 5.7
percent in the decade of the 1990s."
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June 6, 2006
Secretary
Chao and Austrian university students discussed the dynamics of economic
change and employment growth in the U.S. and Europe.
"Last Friday (June
2) the unemployment rate dropped to 4.6 percent, the lowest in five years. And
the U.S. has seen 33 months of uninterrupted job growth, with more than 5.3
million net new jobs created since August 2003," Secretary Chao told students
at the internationally renowned IMC Fachhochschule Krems University of Applied
Sciences in Krems, Austria.
The Secretary also discussed the
flexibility and mobility of the U.S. workforce as well as the relatively low
taxes on labor in the U.S. compared to some European nations. She pointed out
that among the G-7 countries, the United States had the strongest economic
growth in 2005.
"The flexibility and mobility in the U.S. economy are
also unique, and somewhat surprising to workers in other countries. Every year
approximately one-third of the total U.S. workforce — or about 50 million
people — leave their jobs and find new jobs, largely because of better
opportunities," said Secretary Chao. "So, change is the norm in our
country."
Chao also stressed the challenges posed by international
trade and the importance of education and training to meet the demand for
skilled workers. She informed the students about U.S. programs underway to help
workers develop the skills they need to access new job opportunities, including
the President's American Competitiveness Initiative
and the High Growth Job Training Initiative.
"Our society recognizes that keeping the skills of our workers updated is one
of the major challenges facing America today," Chao said. |
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May 31, 2006
Secretary Chao addressed the attendees of a
session of the Economic Club of America at their annual meeting. The meeting
brings together corporations, government agencies and leading business owners.
The Secretary's remarks to those in attendance focused on the success of the
president's pro-growth economic policies, the challenges facing workers in the
21st century and the impact of immigration on the nation's economy.
"There is a mismatch between the new jobs being created and the skills
of our nation's workforce," said Chao. "This is the core issue surrounding the
debate about wage inequality in our country — there is not a wage gap, as
much as an education and skills gap."
Chao's remarks also reflected the
president's message on comprehensive immigration reform. "The President has
acknowledged that securing our nation's borders is a basic responsibility and
an urgent requirement for national security. At the same time, we are a nation
that has welcomed immigrants and benefited from their contributions," said
Chao. "He is seeking the rational middle ground — a system that is secure,
orderly and fair — an immigration system that is appropriate for the 21st
century."
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May 26, 2006
Secretary Chao welcomed Chinese-American WWII
veterans to the Labor Department. The 14th Air Service Group, the 987th Signal
Company, and the U.S. Army Air Corps — part of the legendary Flying Tigers
— were in Washington, D.C. this weekend for their combined
reunion.
On May 9, Secretary Chao also met with the Advisory Committee
on Veterans' Employment and Training (ACVET), which is assessing the employment
needs of veterans and evaluating how well the Labor Department is meeting those
needs. "Ensuring that we are doing everything possible to help veterans
transition to the civilian workforce is one of my highest priorities," Chao
said.
The ACVET is responsible for assessing the employment and
training needs of the nation's veterans, evaluating the effectiveness with
which DOL programs deliver required services to veterans, and recommending
appropriate remedial action where deficiencies are detected. It is made up of
representatives from veterans' service organizations and experts in the fields
of business, employment, training, rehabilitation or labor.
The
Secretary also discussed the latest developments in programs that aid veterans,
including Transition Assistance Program (TAP) employment workshops;
REALifelines, a pilot program that provides one-on-one support to severely
injured and wounded veterans; the Department's enforcement of the Uniformed
Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, known as USERRA, which
protects the jobs and benefits of National Guard and Reserve service members;
and the national Hire Vets First campaign, which is making employers aware of
the value veterans bring to the workforce.
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May 22, 2006
Secretary
Chao paid tribute to the Merchant Mariners at a National Maritime Day
annual luncheon hosted by the Propeller Club on May 22. She was the first
Secretary of Labor to address the Propeller Club's National Maritime luncheon.
"Today we reflect upon the tremendous contributions merchant mariners
have made to ensuring that our country is strong, safe and free," she said.
"When the history of the war on terror is written, the U.S. Merchant Marine
will be remembered — as it has been in every war — as vital to our
victory."
More than 8,000 members of the Merchant Marines serve in the
Military Sealift Command, which supports American troops in Afghanistan and
Iraq by delivering combat gear, fuel, and other supplies to the United States
Navy as they complete the liberation and reconstruction of Iraq. All told,
merchant mariners have delivered more than 76 million square feet of cargo.
"As they have in every war in our nation's history, merchant mariners
are delivering the troops and supplies needed by our armed forces. The cargo
they transport is precious — some of the most expensive and complex
equipment in the world," said Chao. "It takes the tremendous skills of our
country's merchant mariners to protect and transport this cargo, especially
when it is at risk on the high seas."
National Maritime Day honors the
contributions made by merchant mariners and the maritime industry. The
Secretary emphasized the merchant mariners critical support role in the war on
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May 9, 2006
Secretary Chao met with the Advisory Committee on
Veterans' Employment and Training (ACVET), which is assessing the employment
needs of veterans and evaluating how well the Labor Department is meeting those
needs.
"Ensuring that we are doing everything possible to help
veterans transition to the civilian workforce is one of my highest priorities,"
Chao said. "During wartime we at the department are particularly focused on
newly separated veterans. We are working hard to be sure that the brave young
men and women who are defending our nation know that when they leave military
service, we have the programs to help them find the jobs they want."
The ACVET is responsible for assessing the employment and training needs of the
nation's veterans, evaluating the effectiveness with which DOL programs deliver
required services to veterans, and recommending appropriate remedial action
where deficiencies are detected. It is made up of representatives from
veterans' service organizations and experts in the fields of business,
employment, training, rehabilitation or labor.
The Secretary also
discussed the latest developments in programs that aid veterans, including
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) employment workshops; REALifelines, a pilot
program that provides one-on-one support to severely injured and wounded
veterans; the Department's enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act, known as USERRA, which protects the jobs and benefits
of National Guard and Reserve service members; and the national Hire Vets First
campaign, which is making employers aware of the value veterans bring to the
workforce.
On May 26, the Secretary welcomed Chinese-American WWII
veterans to the Labor Department. The 14th Air Service Group, the 987th Signal
Company, and the U.S. Army Air Corps — part of the legendary Flying Tigers
— were in Washington, D.C. this weekend for their combined reunion.
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April 30, 2006
At an event
sponsored by the YWCA of Queens, New York, Secretary Chao discussed the economic situation
and emphasized the importance of education and skills training as critical to
increasing the competitiveness of the American workforce. Secretary Chao urged
the audience to help spread the message that America was transitioning to a
knowledge-based economy and that staying in school and acquiring postsecondary
education is more important than ever before.
"Americans now live and
work in a worldwide economy where information and knowledge are more important
than ever," she said.
The Secretary also hailed the increasingly
diverse American workforce.
"The rich diversity of America's workforce
is one of our competitive strengths," said Secretary Chao. "Given that we work
and live in a worldwide economy, this diversity is an even greater asset than
ever before."
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April 28, 2006
Secretary Chao delivered remarks at the
Association of Chinese American Professional Diversity Summit, the Chinese
Community Center and the Asian Chamber of Commerce Friday, April 28 in Houston.
She addressed the importance of diversity, the workforce challenges facing the
nation and how best to sustain America’s competitive advantages in a
rapidly changing economy. She emphasized the President’s commitment to
helping Asian Americans succeed by taking advantage of the numerous
opportunities available to them.
"President George W. Bush appreciates
diversity and has done so much to reach out to the Asian Pacific American
community. He has emphasized that education is more important than ever, to
building a successful career and to remaining competitive in the 21st century,"
said Secretary Chao at the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce Gala.
Earlier in the day, Chao also visited the largest Asian-led social service
center in Texas, meeting with volunteers and delivering remarks.
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April 26, 2006
Secretary Chao recognized seven organizations for their
efforts to promote equal employment opportunity today at the U.S. Department of
Labor at an annual awards ceremony hosted by the Department's Office of Federal
Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP).
Three types of awards — the
Secretary of Labor's Opportunity Award, Exemplary Voluntary Efforts Award, and
Exemplary Public Interest Contribution Award — were presented to recognize
innovative workplace programs and initiatives that increase equal employment
opportunity for the American workforce.
"These employers are to be
commended for their efforts to promote equal employment opportunities at their
workplaces," said Secretary Chao. "Their commitment to ensure that people with
disabilities, veterans, people of color and women have access to gainful
employment and the American dream is laudatory."
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April 18, 2006
Secretary Chao joined U.S. Senator John Cornyn at
the 2006 Texas Workforce Summit at the Austin Community College Eastview
Campus. She highlighted the importance of the President's Community-Based Job
Training Grants program, which supports workforce training for high growth
industries through the nation's community and technical colleges.
"Navigating the maze of different resources from different government
agencies can be confusing sometimes," said Chao. "That's why I applaud Senator
Cornyn for his vision in creating this program today. These investments are
investments in our nation's future — in the future of our workforce and
the future of our nation's economy. One of the greatest workforce challenges
facing our nation today is ensuring that our workforce remains competitive in
the increasingly competitive worldwide economy. And you (officials from over 40
community colleges) have a leading role to play."
Under the
President's Community-Based Job Training Grants community colleges in Texas
received more than $13.2 million in Fall 2005.
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April 13, 2006
Secretary
Chao joined Health and Human Services Secretary Leavitt for an event with
Asian Pacific Americans on the new Medicare prescription drug benefit at Temple
University in Philadelphia, Penn. April 13. After listening to the speakers
many attendees spoke with counselors.
The Secretary encouraged eligible
seniors and Americans with disabilities to sign up for the program before the
May 15 deadline in order to receive the lowest premiums.
"President Bush
launched this program because he shares the deep appreciation, love and respect
that our community has for our parents, and for all elderly members of our
society," she said. "And he wants to ensure that they live healthier, happier
and longer lives by taking advantage of the many new drug therapies that are
available today."
The Secretaries also spoke with an African-American
gentleman who had been a shipbuilder and, since joining the Medicare
Prescription Drug Plan, was saving more than $400 per year on his
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April 12, 2006
Secretary Chao joined President Bush for an event with Asian
Pacific Americans on the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. The Secretary
encouraged eligible seniors and Americans with disabilities to sign up for the
program before the May 15 deadline in order to receive the lowest premiums.
"I am delighted to be here to help the Asian Pacific American community
learn about this program," said Secretary Chao at an event in Annandale, Va.
"President Bush launched the Medicare prescription drug coverage because he
shares the deep appreciation, love and respect that our community has for our
parents, and for all elderly members of our society."
The President
emphasized how the Medicare prescription drug benefit is helping beneficiaries
afford the drugs they need. Average beneficiaries can save more than 50 percent
of their annual drug costs when they join a Medicare drug plan, compared to
what they were previously spending with no drug coverage. The Secretary joined
Health and Human Services Secretary Leavitt for a similar event with 400 Asian
Pacific Americans in Philadelphia, Penn. April 13. After listening to the
speakers many attendees spoke with counselors.
The Department of
Labor is helping to distribute information on how to enroll in the Medicare
prescription drug benefit by distributing information through the nationwide
network of 3,500 One-Stop Centers. People can get more information and sign up
online, over the phone, or in person at enrollment events in their communities.
For information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY users call
1-877-486-2048) or visit Medicare's online enrollment center at
www.medicare.gov.
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April 10, 2006
Secretary Chao met with DOL employees who have volunteered
their time and skills to help residents in New Orleans rebuild their lives
after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
While in Louisiana,
Secretary Chao also toured the Louisiana Carpenters Regional Council Training
Center in Baton Rouge. The Secretary observed Disaster Response and Recovery
Training classes and delivered remarks to students in the program. The Center
is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Susan Harwood Training
Grant for Disaster Response and Recovery Training. The grants will help train
workers to avoid hazards related to confined spaces; electrical work;
construction; hand and power tools; heavy equipment operation; slips, trips and
falls; mold; water contamination; respiratory, chemical and biological hazards;
and animal and insect bites.
"Workers in the skilled trades are
important second responders to disaster areas. Long after the ambulances and
fire engines have left the scene, you're still there. You are the key to
clean-up and recovery," said Chao. "The nearly one million dollar training
grant the Carpenters Training Center received last fall is being put to good
use in helping ensure that disasters are not compounded by injuries during the
response and recovery work."
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April 10, 2006
Secretary Chao joined
First
Lady Laura Bush at a Helping America’s Youth event highlighting the
role of faith- and community-based organizations in preparing youth for 21st
century employment opportunities.
During the event, Secretary Chao
announced a $20 million grant to the National Urban League to continue and
expand its Urban Youth Empowerment Program. National Urban League President and
CEO Marc Morial was on hand to accept the award at the Marriott Renaissance
Arts Hotel.
"The income and self-respect that come with succeeding in a
job is critical for young people trying to turn their lives around," said Chao.
"With this $20 million grant, we are tripling the commitment to the
President's Urban Youth Empowerment Program to help at-risk youth
prepare for full-time employment. A significant portion of this grant will help
young people in New Orleans and other areas that were affected by last year's
hurricanes."
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April 3, 2006
Secretary Chao applauded the achievements of Latina women,
the bravery of Hispanic American soldiers fighting the war against terrorism,
and outlined the nation's economic progress and opportunities in her remarks at
the National LULAC Women's Conference at New York City's Grand Hyatt
Hotel.
"We are all proud of the Hispanic Americans who have joined the
Armed Forces to protect our country's freedoms and liberties," said Chao. "They
are taking the battle to the terrorists — defending forward — and
depriving those who seek to harm us of resources and sanctuaries so we can be
safe here at home. We are grateful to them beyond words."
Chao spoke to
an audience of over three hundred women attending the "Women, A Journey to
Greatness" Conference which explored the empowerment of Latinas in the areas of
education, homeownership, financial management, business, career development,
health choices and investments. She discussed at length the strong American
economy which is the backdrop for the conference's areas of focus and urged
young people to pursue education.
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March 31, 2006
Secretary Chao highlighted the Department of Labor’s
commitment to working with community-based organizations like the National
Urban League to help achieve greater economic opportunity and prosperity for
constituents. They discussed partnership opportunities to better link community
organizations, businesses and the public workforce system in order to provide
greater access to employment and job training assistance. In particular, they
talked about ways for inner city youth to better connect to summer job and
internship experiences; and they highlighted the importance of youth staying in
school, gaining a high school diploma, and entering post-secondary education
and training programs.
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March 16, 2006
The number of
women-owned businesses — more than 10 million — is growing at twice
the rate of all U.S. firms, a trend that Secretary Chao
applauded at an event commemorating Women’s History Month.
"Women
in America today can access nearly unlimited opportunities," said Chao.
"Women-owned businesses are growing at twice the rate of all U.S. firms and as
entrepreneurs, women are creating jobs and strengthening our economy. Today, no
matter what goal a woman sets for herself, she can accomplish her
dreams."
Chao spoke to an audience of nearly 400 women attending the
"Celebrating Great American Women of Today and Tomorrow" event at the National
Museum of Women in the Arts.
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March 1, 2006
Secretary Chao addressed a crowd of delegates
representing the retirement savings and financial communities to kick off the
2006 National Summit on Retirement Savings.
"You are here to address
the obstacles to savings faced by four key groups — new labor market
entrants, low-income wage earners, small business employers and their
employees, and workers nearing retirement," said Secretary Chao. "Each of these
groups faces its own special challenges."
Secretary Chao outlined
President George W. Bush's agenda on pension reform and discussed the
Administration's commitment to work with Congress to pass pension reform
legislation that strengthens the funding of pension plans, provides
transparency of information for workers, and stabilizes the federal pension
insurance system. Secretary Chao also stressed the importance of access to
professional investment advice to improve the choice, control, and confidence
workers have in their retirement saving plans.
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February 22,
2006
Economic development leaders from around the country convened today
in Washington to kick off their respective Workforce Innovation in Regional
Economic Development (WIRED) initiatives. In her
keynote address to an audience of business, civic, educational, and workforce
professionals, Secretary Chao set a
21st century framework for the global economic challenges that lay
ahead for the country.
"Ninety percent of the jobs in the fastest
growing sectors of our economy require post-secondary training or education,"
said Secretary Chao. "The WIRED initiative will focus
on the critical role of talent development in attracting economic development
and new high-growth, high-skill job opportunities for these regions."
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February 1, 2006
Secretary
Chao announced a major component of President Bush’s Competitiveness
Agenda, unveiled Jan. 31 during the State of the Union Address. Through the
WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development)
initiative, the U.S. Department of Labor will invest $195 million in 13
regional economies.
"We are launching the WIRED
initiative to encourage regional communities to partner together and leverage
their collective public and private sector assets and resources to develop a
more highly skilled workforce that can act as the linchpin to attract new
economic development and employers," said Secretary Chao.
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January 25,
2006
Secretary Chao speaks on two panels
on global employment and future job creation at the World Economic Forum in
Davos, Switzerland. The Labor Secretary will address the topics of trends in
future job growth, the skills gap, and the conditions necessary to sustain
growth and job creation worldwide in the 21st century.
"Growth and job
creation are the keys to increasing the standard of living for the world's
workers," said Secretary Chao. "To achieve improvements in workers' quality of
life, we need to encourage open trade, transparency, flexible labor markets and
the rule of law."
The Labor Department also released its
Chartbook of International Labor
Comparisons: The Americas, Asia and Europe, which provides an overview and
comparison of labor market situations globally, at the forum. The study
illustrates global labor market successes and reflects potential challenges for
the future workforce.
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January 6, 2006
Secretary Chao, joined by Maryland Lieutenant
Governor Michael Steele, visited Johns Hopkins Medical Campus today to echo
President Bush's remarks on the strength of the nation's economy and the
release of the December employment report.
"Today's numbers cap a year
of steady growth and good news for America's workers," said Secretary Chao.
"Two million net new jobs created in 2005, more Americans working than ever
before — 142.8 million, and an average annual unemployment rate of 5.1%
— one of the lowest annual average unemployment rates in the past 35
years. We need to stay the course with the President’s economic
initiatives."
The country’s economy has seen 31 straight months of
job growth, and maintains a steady and low unemployment rate of 4.9%. Chao
highlighted the need to implement the President’s pro-growth economic
policies to continue to strengthen the nation's economy. These include making
the tax cuts permanent, so workers can keep more of their hard-earned wages,
and continuing to invest in worker training and reforming publicly funded
training programs.
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January 4, 2006
Secretary
Chao issued the following statement on the Sago Mine accident in
Buckhannon, W.Va.:
"Our hearts and prayers are with the families,
friends and loved ones of the 12 miners who perished in this tragedy and our
hopes and prayers are with the one miner who survived. Along with them, the
nation has been riveted by the heroic efforts of the mine rescue teams and
others, who rushed to the scene and put their lives on the line to try and
return their comrades to safety. The Mine Safety
and Health Administration is launching a full investigation to determine
the cause of this tragedy and will take the necessary steps to ensure that this
never happens again."
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