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.

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.

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."

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.

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. 

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.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the resignation of Bryan Jarrett, Acting Administrator for the Wage and Hour Division, effective January 5, 2019.

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."

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today visited California to discuss Administration efforts to assist American workers who are recovering from last month’s devastating wildfires. Secretary Acosta toured impacted areas of Paradise before participating in roundtable discussions in Chico with job creators, fire fighters, and public officials.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) has been approved for the California Department of Employment Development to assess workforce needs in response to November 2018 wildfires throughout California. The funding will assist the state in response to the Camp Fire in Butte County, which is now the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced additional incremental funding for a Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) to the California Department of Employment Development to assess workforce needs in response to wildfires that affected the state in October and December 2017.

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

"President Trump's policies continue to fuel strong and steady job growth. Two full years since the President's election, 4.6 million jobs have been created, including 155,000 in November. Job gains were significant in manufacturing and transportation and warehousing.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta released the following statement regarding National Miners Day:

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced actions it is taking to assist Americans in Alaska affected by the devastating earthquake.

"The Department of Labor is committed to supporting the American worker as Alaska recovers from last week’s earthquake," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced actions it is taking to assist Americans in California affected by devastating wildfires.

"The Department of Labor is actively engaged in Administration efforts to help those impacted by devastating wildfires in California," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "As Californians come together to help their friends, neighbors, and all individuals who have been affected recover, the Department of Labor is committed to supporting the American worker."

WASHINGTON, DC – As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Wage and Hour Division (WHD) are reminding employers to protect worker safety and pay. 

“Whether employees are stocking shelves, packing boxes, delivering products, or selling merchandise, they have the right to a safe workplace,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “Employers should focus on their responsibility to protect all employees during the busy holiday season.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today announced the start of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). This year’s theme – Apprenticeships: Creating Tomorrow – celebrates the impact apprenticeship programs have in helping Americans learn skills for jobs in growing industries. NAW will continue through November 18.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – To make it easier for Americans to find and fill open jobs, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced a proposal for employers seeking temporary labor certifications through the H-2B and H-2A visa programs to advertise jobs online.