The economy added 266,000 jobs in April, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 6.1%. Labor force participation was at its highest point since August 2020, and hesitancy about returning to work due to the coronavirus was at its lowest point since the pandemic began.

• Read the Bureau of Labor Statistics report
• Read Secretary Walsh’s statement
• Read Chief Economist Janelle Jones’ blog post

Secretary Walsh and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo joined federal, state and local officials at the General Dynamics Electric Boat site in Connecticut and participated in a virtual roundtable, discussing apprenticeships, jobs training programs and the American Jobs Plan.

Our Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship will focus on expanding apprenticeships in fast-growing industries like clean energy, technology and health care to create more high-quality training and employment opportunities.

With Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Rep. Steve Cohen, Secretary Walsh toured a Tennessee Job Corps Center and discussed how the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan will build a more inclusive economy and support families.

We have withdrawn the Independent Contractor Rule in order to maintain workers’ rights to the minimum wage and overtime compensation protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

We launched a new series of short, engaging virtual workshops to help military spouses with their job searches.

OSHA led the National Safety Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction this week to spread awareness of the dangers of falls and how to prevent them.

We issued guidance to states to permit greater flexibility for waiving the recovery of some unemployment insurance overpayments.

A federal judge found that a Florida behavioral health care center and its management company exposed workers to more than 50 attacks by residents and destroyed video evidence.

• AP: Walsh, Raimondo push apprentice programs at submarine maker
• Commercial Appeal: Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh visit Memphis
• CNBC: Labor Secretary Says Pandemic Is Still Weighing on Economy but Confidence Is Coming Back

Essential Workers – Essential Protections: Webinar for Union Members and Representatives
May 11, 10 a.m. ET

Mastering Resume Essentials
May 11, 10 a.m. ET

Navigating Compliance: FLSA for Logistics Industry Employers
May 11, 2 p.m. ET

What to Expect During a Compliance Review
May 12, 10 a.m. ET

HBCU Female Veterans – Tips and Opportunities for Success
May 13, 1 p.m. ET

Find a complete list of upcoming events at dol.gov/events.