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October 28, 2004    DOL Home > 2004 In Focus Archive   

2004 In Focus Archive

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"In Focus" items are up-to-the-minute news about the Secretary of Labor's efforts to strengthen the workforce and the business community.



Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao (right) presents Labor Hall of Fame awards to Douglas McCarron (left), International President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and Bob Terreri (center), NJ State Council of United Brotherhood of Carpenters at the 2004 Labor Hall of Fame Induction in Washington on Oct. 13.

October 21, 2004
Secretary Chao inducted the founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and a founder of Labor Day, the late Peter J. McGuire, and the four founders of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company — the late William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson and William A. Davidson — into the Labor Hall of Fame during the 16th Annual Labor Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at the Department of Labor on Oct. 13.


U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao (center front) signs an agreement with (front row, left to right) International Union Presidents Joseph J. Hunt, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers; Frank Hanley, the International Union of Operating Engineers; Doug McCarron, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America; and Newton B. Jones, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Also pictured (back row, left to right) are Dave Lauriski, Administrator of the Mine Safety and Health Administration; John Henshaw, Administrator of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; and David Gray, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Policy.

October 15, 2004
Secretary Chao signed an Alliance agreement with the leaders of four international labor unions in a cooperative effort to improve worker health and safety by encouraging alcohol-free and drug-free workplaces and mines. Secretary Chao signed the agreement at the Labor Department with Frank Hanley of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Doug McCarron of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Joseph J. Hunt of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers, and Newton B. Jones of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.


October 14, 2004
Secretary Chao hosted the 2004 Opportunity Conference for Asian Pacific and Hispanic Americans in Washington on Oct. 12. The full-day conference was designed to serve these two fastest-growing segments of the 21st century workforce and inform small business owners, non-profit and faith based organizations and community leaders about the many opportunities available to them.


October 1, 2004
Secretary Chao announced a $1 million grant to continue the Department of Labor's commitment to the Youth Employment and Development Initiative (YEDI), the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative's employment program. YEDI prepares youngsters, age 14-22, for self-sufficiency through training, support and job experience. YEDI coordinates youth training and employment activities among the Citizens' Committee on Youth and the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati.


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September 28, 2004
Secretary Chao announced a $9 million demonstration project for states interested in Personal Reemployment Accounts (PRAs) that will help unemployed workers find new jobs. Personal Reemployment Accounts are personally managed funds that eligible unemployed workers use to purchase job training and supportive services and products from either the marketplace or public One-Stop Career Centers.


Secretary Chao (center); Dennis Donovan (far left), Executive VP Human Resources, The Home Depot; Secretary of Veteran Affairs Anthony Principi (second from left); Under Secretary of Defense David S.C. Chu (second from right); and Robert Nardelli, President and CEO, The Home Depot, announce an agreement to provide employment opportunities for Veterans, at the National Press Club in Washington, Sept. 21. (Photo Credit: Gerry J. Gilmore)

September 23, 2004
Secretary Chao was joined by U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi, Under Secretary of Defense David S.C. Chu and representatives from The Home Depot today to announce a joint public and private sector agreement to provide employment opportunities for current and former members of the U.S. military.


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September 7, 2004
The Overtime Security Rules that became effective on August 23rd guarantee and strengthen overtime protections for millions of workers. The U.S. Department of Labor has been conducting unprecedented outreach to ensure workers know their rights and employers know their responsibilities under these rules.


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September 6, 2004
DOL announces the release of a new report, America’s Dynamic Workforce, which surveys the state of America’s workforce, the changing nature of the workforce and the new opportunities that are developing in the 21st Century. The report highlights ways to improve the nation’s job training programs to help more workers acquire in-demand skills.

“America’s workforce is the most productive and dynamic in the world,” said Secretary Chao.





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