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OPA News Release: [10/25/2006]
Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson or David James
Phone Number: (202) 693-7909 or x4676
Release Number: 06-1758-NAT

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Releases Strategic Plan

Plan is First in 3 Years, Emphasizes Partnerships and Innovative Job Training

Washington — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has submitted the Department of Labor's Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2006-2011 to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget. The plan, which puts increased emphasis on partnerships with industry and education providers for more effective job training, is the first update for the department in three years.

"This Strategic Plan is a blueprint for a Department of Labor that effectively serves America's workers now and in the future," said Secretary Chao.

The plan outlines the department's priorities for the next several years and how the department's diverse agency missions and program objectives will contribute to the achievement of four overarching strategic goals:

• A Prepared Workforce — to provide effective training and support services to new and incumbent workers and to supply high-quality information on the economy and labor market.
• A Competitive Workforce — to meet the demands of the worldwide economy by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the workforce development and regulatory systems that assist workers and employers in meeting the challenges of worldwide competition.
• Safe and Secure Workplaces — to focus on ensuring that workplaces are safe, healthful, and fair; providing workers with the wages due them; providing equal opportunity; and protecting veterans' employment and reemployment rights.
• Strengthened Economic Protections — to protect and strengthen economic security through effective and efficient provision of unemployment insurance and workers' compensation; ensuring union transparency; and securing pension and health benefits.

Among the trends that reflect a rapidly changing workforce are: global competition; the growing demand for knowledge workers; a shift in the way work is performed; and the transition to new technologies which will increase access to telecommuting and e-learning opportunities.

The Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2006-2011 serves as a blueprint for ensuring that the Department of Labor's efforts are helping America's workforce to remain prepared and competitive in the 21st century. To view the plan, visit www.dol.gov/_sec/stratplan/.