WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement regarding President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union Address:

“President Trump’s State of the Union address clearly showed that America’s workers are at the heart of his administration. Tonight, our nation’s leaders came together and heard a unifying message full of proposals that will continue the success that the American workforce has experienced throughout the first two years of the Trump Administration.

“For nine straight months, there have been more open jobs than job seekers; for 11 straight months, the unemployment rate has been 4.0% or lower; and each of the last 16 straight months we have tallied more than 100,000 jobs, including 304,000 jobs last month. With more than 5.3 million jobs created since November 2016, the President’s policies resulted in broad optimism across industries.

“Building on the successes of the past two years involves encouraging private sector investment into the workforce, such as the more than six million Americans benefiting from the work of the National Council for the American Worker, as well as supporting and expanding the scope of successful skills-based workforce education like apprenticeships. These investments lead to a skilled workforce that will help our nation reach the President’s goals, including rebuilding America’s infrastructure. 

“In support of the President’s policies outlined tonight, the Department of Labor will continue to protect the health and safety of American workers while proposing commonsense regulation that will lead to even more family-sustaining career opportunities.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement regarding African American History Month:

"African American History Month affords us an opportunity to reflect upon the many important contributions African Americans have made to our communities, our economy, and our culture. This month is a tribute and a time to explore the deep-rooted history and the many sacrifices African Americans have made to help mold our nation into what it is today.

"This month, the Department of Labor recognizes the contributions of African Americans who have helped and continue to help open opportunities in our nation's workforce."

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today issued the following statement regarding the January 2019 Employment Situation report:

"January's Job Report demonstrated the strength of the American economy, with 304,000 jobs added as private sector job creation continued to surge despite the partial government shutdown. Significant growth in the mining, construction, and transportation and warehousing sectors led the report.

"The unemployment rate ticked up 0.1 percentage point to 4.0%, largely as a result of the temporary lapse in federal government funding, yet this is the 11th consecutive month that the unemployment rate has been at or below 4.0%.

"Average hourly earnings rose by 3.2%, marking the sixth straight month in which year over year hourly earnings have been growing at or above 3%. Average weekly earnings rose at an even more robust 3.5%, year over year. 

"Another key indicator in the report pointed to the increase of the labor force participation rate to 63.2%, the highest rate since August 2013. 

"As the jobs and employment data normalizes over the coming months, we are confident the nation's economy will continue to build on the strength seen in 2018 and the first report of 2019."

For more information, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has released a breakdown of how government employees and contractors were affected by the lapse in appropriations, please click here. 

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor announced that as of today, January 31, 2019, the application period is open for job creators to apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award. This program recognizes small businesses, non-profit organizations, and large companies for their leadership in recruiting, employing, and retaining America's veterans. To apply for the award, visit HireVets.gov.

"With their proven leadership, determination, and dedication, America's veterans strengthen our nation's workforce," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "The HIRE Vets Medallion Program recognizes job creators who understand the value a veteran brings to any job or organization, and demonstrate a true commitment to veteran hiring and professional development."

The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act), signed into law by President Donald J. Trump, is the only federal-level veterans' employment award that recognizes a job creators' commitment to hiring America's veterans. The open application period marks the beginning of the 2019 HIRE Vets Medallion Program, which builds on the success of the 2018 Demonstration Program where hundreds of job creators were recognized for their dedicated efforts to hire America's heroes.

Applicants are evaluated based on a range of criteria including veteran hiring and retention rates, and the availability of veteran-specific resources, leadership programs, dedicated human resources, and compensation and tuition assistance programs. To complete the application process, job creators must verify that their company meets the award requirements, pay the application fee, and ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act (VEVRAA). The deadline to apply is April 30, 2019.

To sign-up to receive updates on the program or get more information, please visit HireVets.gov.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement regarding Martin Luther King, Jr., Day:

“Today, we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the birth of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his work to open opportunities to all Americans. As the Department of Labor observes Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, we are reminded of Dr. King’s belief in the dignity of work and that no job is insignificant.”

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the retirement of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Katherine McGuire, after 25 years of public service.

"I want to thank Katherine McGuire for communicating the Department's work to policymakers both in Washington, and throughout the nation," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "We wish Katherine well as she retires from a remarkable career serving the American people."

McGuire was nominated by President Trump on September 6, 2017, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 21, 2017.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced three appointments to the Administrative Review Board (ARB). The three members – William Thomas Barto, James A. Haynes, and Daniel T. Gresh – were appointed for two-year terms.

The ARB issues final agency decisions for the U.S. Secretary of Labor in cases arising under a wide range of worker protection laws, primarily involving environmental, transportation, and securities whistleblower protection; H-1B immigration provisions; child labor; employment discrimination; job training; seasonal and migrant workers; and federal construction and service contracts. The ARB's cases generally arise upon appeal from decisions of Department of Labor Administrative Law Judges or the Administrator of the Department's Wage and Hour Division. Depending upon the statute at issue, the parties may appeal the ARB's decisions to federal district or appellate courts and ultimately to the U.S. Supreme Court. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella led the selection process and made recommendations accepted by U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.

"The ARB's mission is to issue legally correct, just, and timely decisions," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella. "After a rigorous selection process, these members' expertise will be a valuable complement to the Department of Labor's overall mission to protect the American workforce."

The newly appointed members and the expertise they represent are:

William Thomas Barto will serve as the chair of the ARB. Barto most recently has served as Administrative Law Judge for the U.S. Department of Labor, where he has presided over formal adversarial hearings concerning a wide variety of labor-related matters, including claims arising under the Black Lung Benefits Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, and dozens of other labor-related statutes and regulations involving whistleblower complaints, immigration, child labor, employment discrimination, and federal construction and service contracts. Barto received a Master of Laws from the Judge Advocate Generals School, a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins University.

James A. Haynes will serve as a member of the ARB. Haynes most recently served as an Appellate Administrative Law Judge for the Employees Compensation Appeals Board where he issued over 11,000 decisions and orders. Haynes received a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland at College Park.

Daniel T. Gresh will serve as a member of the ARB. Gresh is an attorney for the ARB where he participates in reviews of appeals of complaints filed under a broad range of federal administrative labor laws, including financial, environmental and transportation employee protection statutes; immigration, child labor, employment discrimination and job training laws; contract and wage compliance laws, the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act, the Davis-Bacon Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act. Gresh received a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today issued the following statement regarding the December 2018 Employment Situation report:

"With more than 5,000,000 jobs added since the 2016 election, the American economy surpassed 150,000,000 jobs for the first time ever. 

"This month's strong jobs report exceeded expectations, with 312,000 jobs added in December and, adding upward revisions from October and November, saw a total of 370,000 jobs added to the economy. Significant job gains were widespread including the construction, manufacturing, retail trade, education and health services and leisure and hospitality sectors.

"The labor force added 419,000 individuals and saw a 0.2% increase to 63.1%. Labor force participation for women 25-54 was particularly strong, rising by 0.3%, returning to 2009 levels.

"Average hourly earnings rose by 3.2% over the past 12 months and this is the third straight month that the year-over-year wage gains exceeded 3%. Prior to October 2018, the last time average hourly wage gains exceeded 3% was April 2009.

"As more people moved into the labor force, the unemployment rate moved up to 3.9%. More individuals moving into the labor force is welcomed news as job creators look to fill seven million open jobs.

"This closes a very strong 2018. Positive news was widespread: 2.6 million new jobs created in the past twelve months, America's average wage earnings are on the rise, 8 months of unemployment below 4%, and series low unemployment rates this year for African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and those without a high school degree.

"While job growth remains strong, it is important that policymakers continue to foster an environment that promotes job creation and wage growth. This Administration will keep working to grow our economy and create family-sustaining careers for America's workers."

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the resignation of Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) Matthew Miller, effective January 3, 2019.

"In April 2017, Matt Miller came to the Veterans' Employment and Training Service, where he led the work to help America's veterans, service members and their spouses secure good, family-sustaining jobs," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "We thank Matt for his service and wish him the best as he assumes the position of Chief of Staff for Congressman Ben Cline of Virginia."

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the resignation of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Public Affairs Jeffrey Grappone, effective January 3, 2019.

"Jeff Grappone came to the Department of Labor in 2017 as an Assistant Secretary and helped to build and enhance the communication of the Department's work on behalf of America's workforce," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "Assistant Secretary Grappone is highly talented and will ably lead communications at the Senate Republican Conference."

Grappone joined the Department in November 2017.