Statement of US Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on immediate need to extend unemployment insurance and COBRA safety net programs

Editors Note: The U.S. Senate recessed today, March 26, without approving legislation that would have extended emergency unemployment insurance benefits for workers who have lost their jobs and health insurance subsidies under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.

WASHINGTON – Today, five years after the terrible explosion at BP's Texas City refinery, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement remembering the 15 workers who were killed and the many others who were injured in that tragic event:

"As we've seen from my department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's recent enforcement actions, BP still has a long way to go to ensure the safety of its employees and those of the contractors who work in its refineries.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement on passage of a health care reform bill by the U.S. House of Representatives:

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement on President Obama's signing of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act:

"Yesterday, President Obama signed legislation that will help create jobs for the millions of Americans hit hardest by the recession. This bill will help employers hire and retain new workers. It also will help state and local governments pay for green renovation and renewable energy construction projects.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis has appointed Edna Primrose, workforce investment veteran and former director of the Job Corps center in Woodland, Md., as the new national director of Job Corps.

"Edna Primrose will bring to this position not only a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Job Corps program and how it works, but hands-on experience with students whose lives have been enriched by Job Corps," Secretary Solis said.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor will begin exercising its authority to certify applications for U Nonimmigrant Status Visas. U visas – as they are known – are designed to help victims of qualifying criminal activities who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement or other government officials in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. Secretary Solis presented the department's fiscal year 2011 budget request and highlighted why the funding is vital to the nation's ongoing economic recovery.

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

"As a product of the women's movement, the social justice movement and the civil rights movement, I have seen how far we have come in advancing the role of women in our country and around the globe. I also see how much further we have yet to go in supporting women and girls to ensure equality and opportunity in our workplaces, our schools and in our communities as a whole.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the February 2010 Employment Situation report released today:

"This past February, the economy lost 36,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate held at 9.7 percent.

Editors Note: The Senate recessed today, Feb. 26, without approving legislation that would have extended emergency unemployment insurance benefits for workers who have lost their jobs and health insurance subsidies under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. The current program is scheduled to expire on Feb. 28.

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

WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement today on the passing of Congressman John Murtha:

"The nation lost an advocate for peace. Pennsylvania lost a great champion. And I lost a mentor and great friend.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman John Murtha, and my thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Murtha and her family at this difficult time.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the January 2010 Employment Situation report released today:

"This past January, the economy lost 20,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate dropped to 9.7 percent.

"While today's report shows positive signs that the economy is moving in the right direction, the numbers underscore that we still have work to do to get Americans back to work.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics report released today on Union Members in 2009:

"Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that, in 2009, the unionization rate of employed wage and salary workers was 12.3 percent, in essence unchanged from the 12.4 percent rate in 2008. Among private sector employees, the rate dropped to 7.2 percent from 7.6 percent in 2008.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the December 2009 Employment Situation report released today:

"This past December, the economy lost 85,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 10 percent.

"Today's numbers underscore that we still have work to do before we can be sure that all Americans have access to good jobs. We are working aggressively to reverse these conditions for American workers and their families.

Effort responds to President Obamas directive that federal agencies consult tribes on recommended practices

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor will participate in three consultation sessions over the next few weeks to develop – in coordination with tribal governments – a plan of action for the implementation of Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. On Nov. 5, President Obama issued an executive memorandum directing federal agencies to conduct such activities.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a broad array of efforts designed to improve the public's accessibility to its agencies and ensure the department can function more effectively. The work is part of the Obama Administration's continued commitment to improved accountability, transparency and service to the American public.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the November 2009 Employment Situation report released today:

"This past November, the economy lost 11,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate decreased to 10 percent.

"I am encouraged by the pattern of moderated job loss; however, I will not be satisfied until there are robust job gains.

WASHINGTON – Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth Harris today testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on Children and Families regarding workplace flexibility and paid leave in the context of the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Harris expressed the administration's strong support for the Healthy Families Act as a way to provide workplace flexibilities and increased economic security.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement on the October 2009 Employment Situation report released today:

"This past October, the economy lost 190,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate increased to 10.2 percent.

"We have known for some time now that the unemployment rate could reach this level, and it is an unacceptable situation. We are working hard to reverse these circumstances for the millions of Americans who need and want work but cannot find it.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the AFL-CIO and American Rights at Work report ICED OUT: How Immigration Enforcement Has Interfered with Workers Rights.

"The Department of Labor is firmly committed to protecting the rights of all workers, and especially the rights of the most vulnerable workers in our economy.

"The violation of any one worker's rights is cause for concern to all American workers. When unscrupulous employers abuse vulnerable workers, honest employers and their workers suffer.