WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia issued the following statement regarding the Administration's latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), aimed at increasing price transparency in healthcare through a combined effort of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury:

"Today's proposal outlines a path towards greater openness and transparency in our healthcare system. For too long, unnecessary barriers have prevented customers from gathering all the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This Administration's proposal will allow consumers to gain greater control over their healthcare spending in a more competitive provider market.

"The U.S. Department of Labor has the primary legal responsibility for private employer-sponsored group health plans. In this proposal, the Department would be responsible for ensuring that the 131.6 million participants and beneficiaries covered by the 2.3 million group health plans under its jurisdiction receives the pricing information they deserve.

"The announcement today is an important and necessary step to put power over healthcare decisions back into the hands of the American people."

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia visited Phelps ACE High School’s career fair to meet with high school students as part of National Apprenticeship Week. The mentoring and networking career fair was sponsored by the DC Students Construction Trades Foundation, which sponsors accredited technical education for high school youth and registered apprenticeship instruction classes for industry workers.

“Today’s visit to Phelps ACE High School deepened my appreciation of the positive impact apprenticeships can have for young Americans in this historically strong job market,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “More than 600,000 apprentices have been hired since January 2017, and as we celebrate the Fifth Annual National Apprenticeship Week, we remain committed to expanding apprenticeships and workforce investment across all industries. By encouraging cooperation between educators and the private sector, we can foster a brighter future for young workers.”

Phelps ACE High School provides hands-on education, preparing students for careers and post-secondary education. Originally established in 1912, it is the first public high school in the country to offer both college preparatory and vocational education dedicated solely to construction trades. Phelps’s close working relationship with various companies allows students the opportunity to meet with representatives from apprenticeship-related programs, including electrical, architecture, HVAC, and carpentry.

President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation regarding NAW 2019, and proclamations from governors, mayors, state legislators, and numerous industries and labor unions have also affirmed their commitment to apprenticeships.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia today issued the following statement regarding Veterans Day:

“Every year on this day, Americans across the country put aside their daily activities to honor the sacrifice and bravery of our nation’s veterans. We at the Department of Labor join our fellow Americans in saluting the men and women of the armed forces for their defense of our cherished freedoms.

“We also thank the many veterans in the Department’s workforce for their contributions to the Department’s mission, and pledge to continue our efforts to help all American veterans find their chosen career in the American economy.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement on the October 2019 Employment Situation report:

"Significantly exceeding expectations, the U.S. economy added 128,000 new jobs in October. An additional 95,000 jobs in upward revisions for August and September show a stronger labor market than previously reported.

"The unemployment rate remains near a 50-year low.  More than 300,000 Americans entered the labor force in October, leading to a slight uptick of the unemployment rate to 3.6%. This marks the twentieth consecutive month in which the unemployment rate has been at or below 4%. It is also encouraging to see another record low unemployment rate for African-Americans.

"Once again, Americans are receiving more money in their paychecks, as year-over-year wage growth rose by 3.0%. Wages have grown at or above 3.0% for 15 straight months, including September's increased revision. 

"The labor force participation rate climbed to 63.3%, the highest since August 2013.

"Today's jobs numbers were affected by a disruption in the auto industry. The importance of the auto industry to the U.S. economy is a reminder of the need to implement the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).  USMCA will add tens of thousands of American jobs and will greatly strengthen our economy and America's workforce."

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia and Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella joined mental health advocates today at an event marking National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) at the U.S. Department of Labor’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Hosted by the Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the event opened with remarks from Secretary Scalia and Deputy Secretary Pizzella, followed by a panel discussion on the importance of supporting individuals with mental health conditions in the workplace. 

“The U.S. has the lowest unemployment rate on record for Americans with disabilities—6.1 percent,” Secretary Scalia noted. “This robust economy, in which businesses have a pressing need for skilled workers, is a fruitful environment for deepening appreciation of the contributions made in the workplace by Americans with disabilities,” he continued. “And that’s the 2019 NDEAM theme—workers with disabilities can offer American employers the ‘Right Talent, Right now.’”

“It is our goal to foster, promote, and develop the American workforce. That means all individuals in the workforce,” said Deputy Secretary Pizzella. “Part and parcel of this is promoting a mental-health friendly work environment. This is very important to us here at the Department of Labor.”

Following the remarks, a panel discussion moderated by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy addressed the need for awareness, accommodations, assistance, and access in a workplace that welcomes people with mental health conditions.

“Mental health is an often overlooked or misunderstood dimension of disability employment, even as it impacts so many people,” said Assistant Secretary Sheehy in her opening remarks. “We simply can’t fulfill ODEP’s mission—to increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities—without addressing the needs of people with mental health conditions.”

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that nearly one in five American adults – a majority of whom are of working age – experience a mental health condition annually. A study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association found that more than 80 percent of employees treated for mental health conditions report improved levels of efficiency and satisfaction at work, demonstrating the power of ensuring access.

Earlier this year, ODEP collaborated with its Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) to publish a Mental Health Toolkit. 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) honors the contributions workers with disabilities make to America’s workplaces and economy. The theme for 2019 is “The Right Talent, Right Now.” To learn more about NDEAM, visit dol.gov/ndeam. 

The Department’s mission is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the U.S.; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia visited the Community Learning Center in Forest Hill, Texas, where more than 10,000 unemployed or underemployed workers have received training for high skill, family-sustaining careers in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.

“The U.S. Department of Labor is working with partners in the private and public sectors to help train the next generation of workers for prosperous careers,” said Secretary Scalia. “The nation is experiencing unprecedented economic growth, and the Department will continue to strive to ensure that American workers develop the skills needed to reap the benefits of this economy and to propel our growth forward.”
There are currently 7 million open jobs in the United States, and open jobs have exceeded the number of job seekers for 19 straight months. In the past year, more than 300 companies and organizations have signed a Pledge to America’s Workers to create nearly 12 million opportunities for education and skills training for workers including apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and continuing education to fill these openings. The Administration will continue to work to help create more opportunities across all industries.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights. The Department administers and enforces more than 180 federal laws. These mandates and the regulations that implement them cover many workplace activities for about 10 million employers and 125 million workers.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement on the September 2019 Employment Situation report:

"In September, the unemployment rate dropped to a 50-year low at 3.5%. This was the nineteenth straight month that the unemployment rate has been at or below 4%.

"Low unemployment rates were widespread across Americans of many backgrounds. The unemployment rate for Americans with less than a high school diploma dropped to a record low since reporting began in 1992. The African-American unemployment rate held at a record low from August and the unemployment rate for Hispanic-Americans set a new record low. Adult women matched their lowest unemployment rate during the Trump Administration at 3.1%, which is the lowest since 1953.

"It is welcome news that Americans with disabilities set a new record low unemployment rate, as we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October.

"In September, 136,000 new jobs were added, and upward revisions for July and August added an additional 45,000 jobs. Since January 2017, the U.S. economy has added more than six million jobs. There are now 158,269,000 Americans employed.  

"Pro-jobs measures like USMCA will offer the American workforce still more job opportunities and will build on this economic expansion. With record low unemployment rates, the U.S. Department of Labor continues to prioritize apprenticeship expansion, opioid recovery, and skills development as part of the Pledge to America's Workers, with the goal of filling millions of open jobs and fostering prosperous careers." 

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced Rachel Mondl as the new Chief of Staff.

“Rachel is an outstanding public servant with a tremendous dedication to helping America’s workers,” U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia said. “Rachel will play a key role in the Department’s efforts to help America’s workforce gain access to good, family-sustaining career opportunities.”

Currently the Deputy Solicitor at the Department, Ms. Mondl previously served as a professional staff member and counsel to the House Education and Workforce Committee under Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC). In that role, she worked on a wide array of labor and employment policy issues, including non-discrimination, pensions, wage and hour, workplace safety, and labor relations. She has also served as in-house counsel to the Smithsonian Institution, where she focused on employment litigation and counseling.

Prior to government service, Ms. Mondl worked for a number of years as an associate in private practice, focusing on labor and employment and appellate matters.

Ms. Mondl earned her B.M., summa cum laude, from Vanderbilt University and her J.D., with honors, from Emory University School of Law. While in law school, she served as editor-in-chief of the Emory Law Journal. She also clerked for the Honorable Frank Hull, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

WASHINGTON, DC – Following a White House swearing-in event today led by President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia released the following statement.

“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve in President Trump’s Administration and to lead this great Department where I worked nearly 20 years ago as Solicitor of Labor. The Department has important responsibilities to further its mission and implement the President’s agenda to protect and strengthen the American workforce. I am excited to get to work.”

Secretary Scalia’s Biography

“Eugene Scalia is one of the most qualified people ever confirmed as Secretary of Labor. He will use his skills as he has over the years—and he has built an extremely distinguished career—to fight and win for the American workforce.”

Those were the words of President Donald J. Trump just before Vice President Mike Pence delivered the oath of office to U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia in the White House on September 30, 2019.

Secretary Scalia previously served as Solicitor of Labor, the Department of Labor’s principal legal officer, working for Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao as a member of President George W. Bush’s Administration.  As Solicitor, he pursued initiatives to protect low-wage workers, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and enhance enforcement of workplace safety laws. He worked closely with Secretary Chao on matters such as the Department’s efforts seeking to recover the losses of employees and retirees in Enron’s pension plans, and resolving a costly labor dispute at the West Coast Ports.

Prior to his confirmation as Secretary of Labor, Secretary Scalia was a lawyer with a national reputation as an expert in labor and employment law and in administrative and regulatory law. 

Secretary Scalia served as a speechwriter to U.S. Secretary of Education William J. Bennett during the Reagan Administration. During the Administration of President George H.W. Bush, Scalia received the Department of Justice’s Edmund J. Randolph Award while serving as a Special Assistant to Attorney General William P. Barr.

Secretary Scalia has served as a lecturer in labor and employment law at the University of Chicago Law School, and as an adjunct professor at the David A. Clarke School of Law with the University of the District of Columbia. 

Secretary Scalia is a graduate with distinction from the University of Virginia. He studied law at the University of Chicago Law School, where he graduated cum laude and served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review. 

Secretary Scalia and his wife Trish have seven children.

WASHINGTON, DC – During a special ceremony today at the U.S. Department of Labor, Acting Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella spoke at the induction of Senator Robert P. Griffin and Former NLRB Board Member Howard Jenkins Jr. into the Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor and the 60th anniversary of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA).

“Today we celebrate the legacies of Senator Robert P. Griffin and Mr. Howard Jenkins Jr. by inducting them into the U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Honor,” said Acting Secretary Patrick Pizzella. “From the Senate and the National Labor Relations Board, Senator Griffin and Mr. Jenkins have been stalwart defenders of workplace rights and freedoms. It is an honor to be a part of enshrining their legacies alongside other accomplished individuals who have advanced opportunities and protections for American workers.”

“Since Congress enacted the Landrum-Griffin Act 60 years ago, it has promoted union democracy and financial transparency in order to strengthen unions and protect workers’ rights,” said Director of the Office of Labor Management Standards (OLMS) Arthur Rosenfeld. “As Director of OLMS, the agency that administers and enforces the LMRDA, I am proud that the Department is honoring these two leaders for their vision in drafting and enacting this law.”

Senator Griffin and Howard Jenkins played an instrumental role in the enactment of the LMRDA, which is administered by the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards. The LMRDA is an important piece of legislation that allows workers to participate in the operations of their labor organizations without fear of corruption or intimidation. The act ensures union financial integrity, requires democratic standards for conducting union officer elections, and encourages union transparency through reporting and disclosure requirements. OLMS takes pride in carrying out its mission to administer and enforce this important law.

The Hall of Honor was established in 1988 to honor Americans whose distinctive contributions have elevated working conditions, wages, and overall quality of life for American families.

Robert Griffin

Robert Paul Griffin was born November 6, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan. The son of an auto factory foreman, Griffin spent his youth working on auto assembly lines. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946 before graduating from Central Michigan University in 1947. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1950. Griffin practiced law in Traverse City, Michigan, until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives as the representative for Michigan’s Ninth Congressional District in 1956.

During Griffin's time in the House, national concerns arose about union corruption and organized crime as the result of highly publicized hearings in the Senate’s “McClellan Committee on Improper Activities in Labor and Management.” The McClellan Committee's findings prompted a call for congressional action. Griffin worked across the aisle with a fellow member of the Education and Labor Committee, Representative Phil Landrum (GA). Legislation introduced by Griffin and Landrum gained widespread support on Capitol Hill and from the Eisenhower Administration. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, also referred to as the Landrum-Griffin Act, was signed into law on September 14, 1959. This landmark legislation promotes democracy and combats corruption within unions through requirements such as annual public financial disclosures and periodic secret ballot elections.

Griffin served five terms in the House of Representatives prior to his appointment to a vacant U.S. Senate seat in 1966. He won reelection to the seat in 1972. From 1966 to 1968, Griffin sat on the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, the authorizing Committee of the LMRDA and the predecessor to the current Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. From 1969-1977, Griffin served as the Senate Minority Whip. Following his time in the Senate, he returned to Traverse City to practice law until his election to the Michigan Supreme Court in 1986. He served on the Court until his retirement in 1994. He died in 2015 at the age of 91.

Howard Jenkins, Jr.

Howard Jenkins, Jr. was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1915. He attended the University of Denver for both undergraduate (1936) and law school (1941). During World War II, Jenkins worked for the Denver War Production Board before his appointment as the Regional Attorney for the National War Labor Board in 1943. In 1945, he became the Chief Regional Enforcement Officer at the National Wage Stabilization Board working under then-Chairman W. Willard Wirtz. From 1946 to 1956 Jenkins served on the faculty of Howard University's Law School, focusing on labor law and administrative law.

In 1956, Jenkins joined the Office of the Solicitor at the Department of Labor as a Special Assistant, assisting in drafting the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA). Because of his involvement in the drafting of the landmark legislation, Jenkins was chosen as the Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Regulation at the Bureau of Labor Management Reports, and in 1962 was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Regulation at the Bureau of Labor Management Reports, which oversaw compliance of the LMRDA.

President John F. Kennedy appointed Jenkins to the National Labor Relations Board in 1963. Jenkins, the first African American to serve as Board Member at the NLRB, was sworn in on August 28, 1963, the day after the civil rights march on Washington, D.C. Jenkins was later reappointed to the Board by Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter, and served as a board member for 20 years.  Among his most notable contributions to the development of our nation's labor law, Jenkins helped establish the board's policy of refusing to help labor organizations that practiced racial discrimination. He passed away in 2003 at age 87.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.