On Labor Day we honor the achievements of America’s workers, and this year we have a historic victory to celebrate: Since President Biden took office through July, we’ve added 9.5 million jobs to the economy, and the unemployment rate plunged to 3.5%, matching a 53-year low.

At every turn, working people are seizing opportunities and proving that, even though work is changing, America is a country filled with hard workers. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, the jobs that will be created under the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act will only build on this momentum.

As we recognize Labor Day in 2022, I want to highlight a few of the many ways the U.S. Department of Labor and the Biden-Harris administration are empowering workers by promoting good jobs and providing the tools and resources they need to succeed.

And as you look forward to the summer’s last long weekend, I encourage you to pause for a moment and remember: Every recovery has a lesson to teach. Here’s one for this Labor Day: Never bet against America’s workers.

In solidarity,

Marty Walsh
U.S. Secretary of Labor

How we’re improving job quality and supporting workers this Labor Day

The premise of the American Dream is that hard work pays off – making it possible to improve your life, care for your family and reach your goals. This Labor Day, we're celebrating workers by promoting good jobs and providing the tools and resources they need to succeed.

• Visit our Labor Day website

• Read Secretary Walsh’s blog post

WATCH: The history of Labor Day

Calling all history buffs and anyone who’s ever appreciated time off on Labor Day: Watch this short video to learn about the origin of the only federal holiday dedicated to honoring and recognizing America's workers.

Honoring the essential workers who helped us through the pandemic

To recognize their sacrifices and ceaseless efforts to support their communities and keep our country moving forward amid the coronavirus pandemic, we inducted the Essential Workers of the Coronavirus Pandemic into the department’s Hall of Honor.

• Learn more about the essential workers of the pandemic
• Watch a video honoring the essential workers

Interested in unions and collective bargaining? We’re here to help

As part of the White House Taskforce on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, we developed a new Worker Organizing Resource and Knowledge (WORK) Center website to serve as a one-stop shop with information and resources on unions and collective bargaining for workers, unions, policymakers and anyone interested in taking action to support worker organizing.

Work is changing, and we're meeting the moment

Department of Labor leaders reflect on how their agencies are promoting good jobs and providing the tools and resources workers need to succeed.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Labor Day trivia

Secretary Walsh quizzed several agency heads on Labor Day trivia. See how your Labor Day knowledge stacks up against theirs.

Labor Rights Week

Our Wage and Hour Division recognized Labor Rights Week by reminding workers that we support all of the workers who keep our economy moving forward.

Labor Day social media resources

Join us in sharing social media messages that celebrate and support workers.

DATA SPOTLIGHT

By the numbers: How we’re delivering for workers

Since President Biden took office we’ve added more than 9.5 million jobs to the economy, awarded more than $944 million in grant funding, recovered more than $335 million in back wages — and more. See more data on how we’re showing up for America’s workers, job seekers and retirees.

IN THE NEWS

• The Boston Herald: Walsh: America’s Workforce Is Stronger than Ever
• The Sioux City Journal: Labor Day 2022: Making the American dream possible for all workers