Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the American economy added 235,000 jobs in the month of August, and the unemployment rate was 5.2%, down from 5.4% in July. With an average growth of 750,000 jobs in the last three months and the lowest unemployment rate since the pandemic began, the Biden-Harris administration is continuing to get Americans back to work.
But we have work to do to beat back the Delta variant and build an inclusive economy.
Rising infection rates in some states hit the food and retail sectors, where workers of color and women are disproportionately represented. So as we enter a Labor Day weekend like no other, we must show our appreciation for the essential workers who keep us going, and commit to turning that appreciation into action by improving the lives of all workers in America.
At the Department of Labor we are empowering all workers morning, noon and night by valuing our nation’s caregiving economy, building a more inclusive workforce, and ensuring all workers can be healthy and financially secure.
By continuing to get people vaccinated, creating good jobs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, and investing in our workforce through the President’s Build Back Better Agenda, we have a tremendous opportunity this Labor Day to advance equity and prosperity for working people.
Marty Walsh is the secretary of labor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @SecMartyWalsh.
