Statement from U.S. Secretary of Labor Acosta on Labor Day

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

“Today, on Labor Day, we celebrate the accomplishments of the American workforce, a record 156 million strong.

“Optimism is the hallmark of Labor Day 2018. This optimism is not just perception, it is grounded on results delivered. The prospects for Americans looking for work and those seeking to return to the labor force have never been better. For the first time since the Department of Labor began tracking these statistics, job openings exceed the number of job seekers.

 “3.9 million new jobs have been created since November 2016, a result of President Trump’s focus on creating jobs, more jobs, and even more jobs. Since President Trump’s election, manufacturers have added 412,000 manufacturing jobs; after years of job losses, the mining and logging industry has 89,000 more jobs; and the construction industry has created 431,000 new construction jobs.

“With all of this positive news, the President’s Administration remains steadfast in its work to open more opportunities for the American workforce. We look forward to delivering even more results in the years ahead.”

Today, the Department of Labor released a video highlighting America’s positive job growth under President Trump. The Department has also released a series of videos focused on Administration priorities for the American workforce, including: apprenticeship expansion, workforce development investment, expanding quality health coverage for small business employees, initiatives to help ex-offenders successfully transition to the workplace, and the fight against opioids.