OSEC News Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – For the first time on record, the number of American job openings exceeds the number of job seekers – providing the latest indicator of continued job growth and economic strength under President Donald J. Trump.

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

“With the unemployment rate falling to 3.8% in May, the lowest in over 18 years, America’s job market remains strong. The unemployment rates for African-Americans and Asian-Americans reached record lows. Adult women and adult men recorded the lowest unemployment rates since 2000, at 3.3% and 3.5% respectively.

WASHINGTON, DC – During tours today in Maine of the Penobscot Job Corps Center and the Cianbro Institute, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) highlighted the importance of ensuring all Americans have the skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow. With Maine’s unemployment rate holding at a record low for two straight months, Secretary Acosta and Senator Collins focused on the importance of ensuring that workforce education programs meet the needs of job creators and job seekers.

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

“On Memorial Day, Americans keep a promise to forever honor the courage, bravery, and patriotism of America’s fallen heroes. Through solemn observances and in quiet moments, we honor the proud men and women of America’s armed services who gave their lives to defend our nation. We are forever grateful for their selfless sacrifice. Because of their heroic service, we are able to live in freedom.”

WASHINGTON, DC – When President Trump addressed the American Farm Bureau Federation in January of this year, he reminded the audience that his commitment to our farmers has been clear since the day his Administration began:  “From that day on, we have been working every day to deliver for America’s farmers just as they work every single day to deliver for us.” 

WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald J. Trump’s Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion today submitted a report to the President providing a strategy to create more apprenticeships in the United States through an Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship model.

Members of the Task Force – representing business, labor, trade and industry groups, educational institutions, and public officials – approved the report during their fifth and final full meeting.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s Executive Order to increase job opportunities for military spouses:

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

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor invites news organizations that wish to participate in press lock-ups to renew or request credentials. The new credentials will be valid beginning in August 2018.

WASHINGTON, DC – As part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s ongoing efforts to encourage occupational licensing reform, the Department today announced $7.5 million in funds to help review and streamline occupational licensing rules. Funds will be available to states, and associations of states, to review, eliminate and reform licensing requirements, and to promote portability of state licenses.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta welcomed Jorge Triaca, Argentina’s Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security, to the U.S. Department of Labor today to discuss bilateral cooperation and to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that promotes further collaboration between Argentina and the United States on labor and employment issues. Argentina holds the presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) this year. 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement today regarding President Trump’s Executive Order on Reducing Poverty in America by Promoting Opportunity and Economic Mobility:

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

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta said the omnibus appropriations bill signed into law includes strong support for President Donald J. Trump’s priorities for the American workforce.

COLUMBUS, OH – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today announced a new National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Demonstration Grant pilot program to help communities fight the opioid crisis. The U.S. Department of Labor will initially fund seven to ten pilot programs with awards totaling $21 million. Secretary Acosta made the announcement during a visit to the Maryhaven Stabilization Center in Columbus, Ohio.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta released the following statement today regarding the start of Women’s History Month:

WASHINGTON, DC – At a special ceremony today at the U.S. Department of Labor, Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta inducted President Ronald Reagan into the Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor, which was established in 1988 to honor Americans whose distinctive contributions have elevated working conditions, wages, and overall quality of life for American families.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement regarding the release of President Trump’s proposal to invest in American infrastructure:

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today commented on President Donald J. Trump’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget request for the U.S. Department of Labor. Through targeted investments and common sense reforms, the Department’s budget request supports the President’s continued efforts to create good, safe jobs for the American people.