Labor Day Message from Assistant Secretary Kathleen Martinez

Each year on Labor Day we celebrate the achievements of America's workers. In many ways, it's a unique holiday, commemorating not just one person or historical event, but rather the collective capacity of workers. It honors the ingenuity and innovation that characterize the American spirit.

Labor Day emerged from the grassroots. The first observances were held at the local level. The idea quickly gained traction at the state level, and in 1894 Congress established the nationwide, annual holiday we know today. Clearly, the way we work has changed since then. But the premise behind the holiday has not.

The foundation that underpins the industriousness of our nation's workers is America's promise of equal opportunity for all. And since the first Labor Day, more and more people from all walks of life have realized this promise. Today, our nation benefits from an increasingly diverse workforce, one that offers a number of different perspectives and rich ideas to American businesses of all sizes and in all industries.

An important dimension of this diversity is disability. Every day, people with disabilities make significant contributions to workplaces across the U.S. Yet, in both good economic times and bad, people with disabilities have fewer opportunities than those without disabilities'a reality that stands in stark contrast to America's ideals.

America's future success requires us to capitalize on the talents of all segments of the population, and the responsibility is shared. Employers must foster workplaces welcoming to all qualified employees and potential employees. People with disabilities must understand the intrinsic value of work and their role in our economic success. Youth with disabilities must grow up with the expectation of employment, and parents, educators and other adults must strengthen this expectation by cultivating a clear vision of work and community participation.

Advancing employment opportunities and expectations for people with disabilities strengthens not only America's economy, but our moral fiber. It creates a more inclusive America, one where every person is recognized for his or her accomplishments- and that should be our goal not just on Labor Day but every day.

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Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor
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