Statement From Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella on Labor Day

WASHINGTON, DC – Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella released the following statement regarding Labor Day:

“Today, we mark the 125th Anniversary of Labor Day, a Federal holiday that was created out of appreciation and respect for the work done by the men and women of this country.

“I am fond of President Theodore Roosevelt’s quote during a Labor Day celebration, he said, ‘Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.’

“A record 157 million Americans are working. America has the lowest unemployment rate going into a Labor Day since 1969 at 3.7%, which continues the rate at or below 4% for 17 months in a row. There are 7.3 million open jobs in the U.S. and there have been more open jobs than job seekers for 16 straight months. This is great news for Americans looking for work and those seeking to return to the labor force.

“We remember those who will be working this Labor Day to protect and care for us including police officers, firefighters, health care workers, members of the military, and many others.”

Today, the Department of Labor released a video highlighting how the Department’s mission produces positive results for the American workforce.

On Thursday August 29th, the Department celebrated the 125th Anniversary of Labor Day and the video can be seen here.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.