US Labor Departments Womens Bureau to host June 17 forum in Denver on workplace flexibility in hospitality, restaurant and tourism industries

Business owners, researchers, advocates and workers invited to attend

DENVER The U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau will host a National Dialogue on Workplace Flexibility on Friday, June 17, from 8 a.m. to noon MDT at Colorado Heights University, 3001 S. Federal Blvd., Denver, Colo. 80236. The dialogue, which builds on the message and momentum of the 2010 White House Flexibility Forum, will focus on flexibility challenges and solutions for workers in the hospitality, restaurant and tourism industries.

"The Women's Bureau wants to get the word out that flexibility should not be just a benefit for a handful of workers. The realities of the 21st century workforce make flexibility critical for our nation's families, businesses and economy to succeed," said Sara Manzano-D az, director of the Women's Bureau. "The Labor Department is committed to helping Americans achieve a better balance between work and family responsibilities."

The forum will feature guest speakers, including Manzano-D az and Karen Shellenback, a nationally recognized work and family expert. Additionally, breakout sessions will give participants a chance to share best practices, expand their knowledge and support base for flexibility options, and discuss innovative ways to make flexibility work.

Businesses' representatives, associations, policymakers, work/life professionals, advocacy groups, scholars, human resource professionals and workers are invited to attend.

The forum is free, but pre-registration is required and can be completed online at http://denvernationaldialogue.eventbrite.com. For more information, members of the public should contact Marzy Bedford-Billinghurst of the Women's Bureau at 303-844-1287.

Press interested in covering the event should contact Rich Kulczewski in the Labor Department's Office of Public Affairs using the information above.

The Women's Bureau, established by Congress in 1920, is the only federal agency designated to represent the needs of working women. Today, the bureau's goal is to empower all working women to achieve economic security by preparing them for well-paying jobs, ensuring fair compensation, promoting workplace flexibility and helping homeless women veterans reintegrate into the workforce. For more information about the Women's Bureau, visit http://www.dol.gov/wb.