U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia and Michigan Congressman Walberg Discuss Workforce Development and Career Education

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia and Congressman Tim Walberg toured Classic Turning Inc. in Jackson, Michigan. Secretary Scalia and Congressman Walberg underscored the robust economic expansion many communities are experiencing.

“In our visit today, we’ve seen the strength of the current U.S. economy and bright prospects for the future,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Talking to business leaders, workers, employers and students, it is clear that Michigan has growing opportunities that will be bolstered by continued focus on workforce development and apprenticeships and by passage of USMCA. I want to thank Congressman Walberg for hosting me today and for being a valued partner on the House Education and Labor Committee.”

“It was a pleasure to host Secretary Scalia in Michigan today and have a dialogue with our world-class students, workers, and manufacturers,” said Congressman Walberg. “From near record low unemployment to strong job creation, workers are winning under the Trump Administration’s pro-growth policies. We need to continue this economic momentum by developing a 21st century workforce and enacting better trade policies like the USMCA that will boost Michigan’s manufacturing and agriculture sectors.”

Classic Turning Inc. is a machinery manufacturing company specializing in aerospace parts. The company has recently undertaken a $3 million dollar expansion of its operations – the largest in its history. This investment has already resulted in 30 new jobs, and is expected to create 40 to 50 additional positions over the next 3 to 5 years.

Secretary Scalia and Congressman Walberg also toured Saline High School’s South and West Washtenaw Consortium and Adrian College to focus on the importance of career and technical education that will help young workers develop the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow’s economy.

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.