WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement today regarding Senate passage of the tax reform bill:

“Senate passage of tax reform is continued good news for America’s job creators and job seekers. Reducing taxes and reforming the tax code will help businesses of all sizes hire more Americans and invest in the workforce. President Trump has brought a spirit of economic optimism back to our nation, with nearly 1.5 million jobs created since January, the lowest unemployment rate in 17 years, and two consecutive quarters of GDP growth over 3 percent. Tax reform will create the conditions for continued economic growth and even more job creation.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement today regarding President Trump’s trip to St. Charles, Missouri, in support of tax reform:

“Tax reform is about job creation. President Trump is working to revitalize America’s main streets by reducing taxes, and making the tax code simpler and fairer. With nearly 1.5 million jobs created since January and two consecutive quarters of GDP growth above 3 percent, the President has unleashed a spirit of economic optimism – but our work is not done. Lowering taxes for job creators will help them grow and hire more Americans for good, family-sustaining jobs.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today toured the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 100’s Apprenticeship Training Center in Suitland, Maryland. The facility is with SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART).

Earlier this week, SMART’s General President Joseph Sellers, Jr., participated in a meeting of the President’s Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion at the Department of Labor. The Task Force – which includes business, labor, educational institutions, trade groups, workforce advocates, and public officials – discussed best practices regarding how to expand apprenticeships across industries.

“Apprenticeships are a pathway for many Americans to learn the skills they need for family-sustaining jobs,” said Secretary Acosta. “I appreciated the opportunity to tour the Sheet Metal Workers’ Apprenticeship Training Center. Seeing apprentices in action and learning more about how the program works provide helpful insight as the Administration works to expand apprenticeships nationwide.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement today regarding the first meeting of the President’s Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion:

“Today, business, labor, educational institutions, trade groups, workforce advocates, and public officials discussed best practices regarding how to expand apprenticeships across industries. The practical expertise that the Task Force members shared will benefit the Administration’s strategy to grow high-quality apprenticeships.

“We’ve seen strong interest in apprenticeship programs since President Trump signed his Executive Order Expanding Apprenticeships in America. Apprenticeships are designed to meet the needs of America’s dynamic economy. Working together, we will help ensure that job seekers have the skills to fill open positions. I am grateful to the Task Force members, all of whom are leaders in their fields, for participating in today’s productive discussion.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today welcomed the start of National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide opportunity for companies, trade and industry groups, nonprofit organizations, unions, labor-management organizations, and educational institutions to highlight how apprenticeship programs can address the nation’s skills gap. President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed November 13 – 19 as National Apprenticeship Week.

“National Apprenticeship Week highlights how apprenticeship programs can help Americans learn the skills they need for success in the jobs of today and tomorrow. By increasing the number of apprenticeships, more Americans will be on the path to family-sustaining jobs,” said Secretary Acosta. “Hundreds of National Apprenticeship Week events are scheduled across the nation to show how apprenticeships work. I hope these demonstrations raise awareness of apprenticeships and encourage more Americans to adopt this proven model.”

To help Americans obtain relevant skills and family-sustaining jobs, President Trump issued an Executive Order Expanding Apprenticeships in America. Apprenticeships provide paid, relevant workplace experiences and opportunities to develop skills that job creators demand. Hundreds of companies—big and small, across industries—have shown an interest in apprenticeships since President Trump signed his Executive Order.

The President’s Executive Order called for the Secretary of Labor to establish a Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion. This afternoon, the first meeting of the Task Force will take place at the Department of Labor in Washington.

National Apprenticeship Week events and activities include: apprenticeship program open houses, skills competitions, community forums, apprentice graduations, business open houses, high school or college career fairs, industry roundtable events, and more.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement regarding Veterans Day:

“On Veterans Day, we continue a solemn national commitment to always remember the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans. Veterans are patriotic and selfless, reflecting the very best of our nation.

“Veterans have many of the skills job creators need. Through their military service, veterans have leadership qualities, technical expertise, and proven problem-solving capabilities. Every veteran who wants a job deserves a job. As the Department of Labor honors America’s veterans, we continue our work to ensure veterans have meaningful career opportunities when their service ends.”

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced its Final Rule for the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) American Military Veterans Act. The law, signed by President Trump in May, creates the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, which will recognize companies and organizations for their efforts to recruit and retain America’s military service veterans.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Program will launch as a demonstration in 2018 with about 300 participating employers. It will be fully implemented in 2019.

“Through their military service, America’s veterans have leadership skills, technical expertise, and proven problem-solving capabilities. These are attributes that any employer would want,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “The HIRE Vets Medallion Program provides a way to recognize companies and organizations that make a strong commitment to hiring our proud veterans. I look forward to implementing the HIRE Vets Medallion Program through a demonstration next year as we work to establish the full recognition program.”

In the Final Rule that creates the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, the Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service details the criteria, process, timelines, and procedures for employers to follow to qualify and apply for the award. The Final Rule also describes how the Department will review applications, and determine and notify award recipients. All organizations with at least one employee are eligible to apply for a HIRE Vets Medallion.

The Secretary of Labor will recognize successful applicants with an award and a virtual HIRE Vets Medallion that can be placed on websites, used in social media, and in printed materials. The Final Rule establishes gold and platinum award levels in categories for small, medium, and large employers.

In 2018, the Department will use the criteria, forms, online application portal, application review process, and types of awards in keeping with the Final Rule. The demonstration will be geared toward recognizing up to 300 organizations on Veterans Day 2018 for their contributions to veteran recruitment, employment, and retention.

Employers seeking further information should visit www.HIREVets.gov for updates, or contact HIREVETS@dol.gov.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement on the October 2017 Employment Situation report:

“October’s jobs report shows a return to strong pre-hurricane employment growth, with 261,000 new jobs created in October and upward revisions of +51,000 jobs for September and +39,000 jobs for August.  Including revisions, this month’s report reflects 351,000 additional jobs.  Since January, the economy has added nearly 1.5 million jobs.

“The unemployment rate dropped again to 4.1%, the lowest since 2000.  Adult male unemployment dropped 0.1% to 3.8%, and adult female unemployment dropped 0.3% to 3.6%, although teenage unemployment increased to 13.7%.

“The economy reversed much of the hurricane-related decline in leisure and hospitality.  Average hourly earnings, likewise, returned to the pre-hurricane range of 2.4% annual growth; higher wage growth is needed.

“Job creators are hiring.  For two quarters in a row, the economy has grown by 3% or more.  Our economy is moving in the right direction, but there is more work to do.  Lower taxes and a simplified tax code will create the right conditions for increased labor force participation and increased wages.”

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced plans to undertake new rulemaking with regard to overtime.

On July 26, 2017, the Department of Labor published a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the Overtime Final Rule, which was published on May 23, 2016, asking for public input on what changes the Department should propose. That comment period has ended and the Department is reviewing those submissions.

On August 31, 2017, U.S. District Court Judge Amos Mazzant granted summary judgment against the Department of Labor in consolidated cases challenging the Overtime Final Rule. The court held that the Final Rule’s salary level exceeded the Department’s authority, and concluded that the Final Rule is invalid.

On October 30, 2017, the Department of Justice, on behalf of the Department of Labor, filed a notice to appeal this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Once this appeal is docketed, the Department of Justice will file a motion with the Fifth Circuit to hold the appeal in abeyance while the Department of Labor undertakes further rulemaking to determine what the salary level should be.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today announced that the third annual National Apprenticeship Week will be held November 13-19, 2017. Apprenticeships provide demand-driven education, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn – helping to close the skills gap between the skills job creators seek and job seekers need.

“Expanding apprenticeships across all industries is a priority for the Trump Administration. Since the President signed his Executive Order Expanding Apprenticeships in America, we’ve seen significant interest in apprenticeship programs across a range of industries,” said Secretary Acosta. “National Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity to put a spotlight on how apprenticeships can help Americans learn the skills they need for success in today’s workplace. By increasing the number of apprenticeships, more Americans will be on the path to family-sustaining jobs.”

National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide opportunity for companies, trade and industry groups, nonprofit organizations, unions, labor-management organizations, and educational institutions to highlight how apprenticeships prepare American workers for the jobs of today and the future. Events and activities include: apprenticeship program open houses, skills competitions, community forums, apprentice graduations, business open houses, high school or college career fairs, apprenticeship signing days, industry roundtable events, and more. 

Earlier this month, Secretary Acosta announced members of the President's Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion. The members of the Task Force – which represents companies, labor unions, trade and industry groups, and educational institutions – will identify strategies and proposals to promote apprenticeships. In a notice on the Federal Register’s website, the Department of Labor announced the initial meeting of the Task Force will be held at the Department’s Frances Perkins Building in Washington on Nov. 13, 2017. 

To learn more, and to register your event for inclusion in a national listing of National Apprenticeship Week events, please visit: https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/NAW/.