WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the death of Larry Marek:

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and co-workers of Larry Marek. After more than a week of valiant round-the-clock efforts to locate him, rescue workers made the tragic discovery on Sunday that he had not survived the April 15th roof fall at Lucky Friday Mine.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement on Earth Day:

"Americans have always worked to make a difference in their own communities and around the world. Earth Day offers an important reminder to continue that tradition. We can – and must address the challenges that threaten our economy, our security and our planet.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the first anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill:

"This time last year, our country experienced the largest oil spill in its history. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico not only released close to 5 million barrels of oil, it also claimed the lives of 11 workers, injured many more and had a major economic impact on the region.

WASHINGTON – Joseph A. Main assistant secretary of labor for the Mine Safety and Health Administration today issued the following statement:

"We have been in communication with Sen. Jay Rockefeller's office to make clear that the issuance of MSHA's final report into the explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine will not be delayed due to the concurrent investigation by the Department of Justice into potential criminal wrongdoing. We apologized for any misunderstanding.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement on the death of Sidney Harman:

"I extend my deepest sympathies to my dear friend and former colleague Jane Harman. I was heartbroken to hear of Sidney's death. She and their children and grandchildren are in my thoughts.

"Sidney Harman was 'quintessential LA' and 'quintessential DC.' That's what made him so special... he could navigate various worlds with ease, grace and humor.

WASHINGTON Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the March 2011 Employment Situation report released today:

"Our nation's labor market improved notably in the month of March. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 216,000, and the unemployment rate decreased to 8.8 percent. Over the last four months, the unemployment rate has fallen by a full percentage point – its largest decline since 1984.

WASHINGTON Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement commemorating the legacy of Cesar Chavez:

"Today, which would have been the 84th birthday of Cesar E. Chavez, is observed as Cesar Chavez Day. His legacy is important for every American to remember. Cesar was a civil rights leader whose efforts shed light not only on the injustice and struggles of farmworkers, but on our land and our environment, too.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement on the death of Geraldine Ferraro:

Mobile site features audio tour and background of historic event

WASHINGTON – In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the deadly fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced a new website and audio tour optimized for smartphones documenting that milestone in labor's history.

WASHINGTON Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the earthquake and tsunami in Japan:

"I send my deepest condolences to the people of Japan, particularly to those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake and tsunami. Disasters like this one have devastating effects on a nation s people, and I m proud that President Obama has acted swiftly in providing attention and support. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Japan's people as they overcome this tragedy."

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding International Women's Day:

"Today people all over the world will celebrate International Women's Day, honoring the power, strength and contributions of all women. Together, we not only recognize the economic, political and social achievements of women, but the struggle and sacrifice it took to get here, too.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the February 2011 Employment Situation report released today:

"Our nation's labor market improved notably in the month of February. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 192,000, and the unemployment rate decreased to 8.9 percent – exceeding the consensus forecast and adding 60,000 workers to the labor market. Today's numbers highlight steady, sustained and widespread job growth. The bottom line: The policies and programs of this administration are working.

Budget reflects fiscal responsibility while investing in job training and worker protection

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today outlined its part of the president's fiscal year 2012 budget request to Congress. The department's budget request focuses on efficiently achieving the department's goals while exercising fiscal restraint.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the extension of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program as amended by the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009:

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding Black History Month 2011:

"Harriet Tubman once said, 'Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.' A true soldier of the Civil War, Tubman is among the ranks of countless African-Americans who have paved a path of opportunity, bold visionaries who dreamed, who challenged the status quo, defied the odds and changed the course of American history.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the January 2011 Employment Situation report released today:

"The unemployment rate declined by 0.4 percent to 9.0 percent, down 0.8 percent in the last two months. The private sector added 50,000 jobs, and revisions indicate 1.1 million jobs were added in 2010. While there is still work to be done, the data show the unemployment rate fell in January because more people are working and not because people are leaving the labor force.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the Lunar New Year:

"I would like to wish Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout the United States and around the world, and everyone who celebrates the Lunar New Year, a wonderful holiday. The richness of your cultures and traditions will be embraced as observances take place across this nation.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics' annual "Union Members – 2010" report released today:

"Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that, in 2010, the unionization rate of employed wage and salary workers was 11.9 percent, down from 12.3 percent in 2009. Among private sector employees, the rate dropped to 6.9 percent from 7.2 percent in 2009.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the death of R. Sargent Shriver:

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the House of Representatives' vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act:

"The American people are looking to Washington for solutions to grow our economy and make America more competitive. Instead, Republicans in the House of Representatives have chosen to vote to repeal individuals' freedom, control and choice in health care decisions.