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OPA News Release: [02/04/2004]
Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052

Labor Department Making Progress in Achieving Goals

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is making sustained progress in carrying out its mission, according to the agency’s 2003 Report on Performance and Accountability. The report features information about results of the department’s program and financial performance and highlights areas of success. For instance, young men and women ages 14-18 who participated in DOL’s workforce training programs who received high school diplomas rose steadily from 35 percent to 55 percent in the three- year period ending June 30, 2003.

“We never forget that behind every action we take and every success we achieve there is a person that we have helped,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “This report is a reflection of this Administration's deep commitment to expanding economic opportunity, supporting secure pension and health benefits and ensuring the health and safety of all American workers. We will not be satisfied until all of our goals are met,” said Chao.

Other results noted in the fiscal year 2003 report include:

• Employment and Training Administration (ETA) programs for employable adults increased employment rates of its participants to 74 percent and retention rates to 84 percent. Over 60 percent of veterans participating in the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project found jobs;
• Sixty-nine percent of the Employee Benefits Security Administration’s (EBSA) closed civil cases produced monetary results or other corrective action in favor of employee benefit plan participants;
• Due in part to Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) safety programs and outreach, the mining industry injury rate dropped to 4.27 incidents per 200,000 hours worked; and
• Due in part to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) safety and health outreach and enforcement, occupational injury and illness rates were lower in all five designated high-hazard industries.

To read the Department of Labor’s FY 2003 Report on Performance and Accountability, visit www.dol.gov.

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