Labor Day 2000
Dateline: 09/02/00
Department of Labor Secretary Alexis M. Herman's 2000 Labor Day Address to the nation:
"With immense satisfaction, deep pride and even a little awe, I am delighted to report that on Labor Day 2000, the state of the American workforce is prosperous, strong and facing the future with confidence.
We knew economies could be good – but we didn't know they could be this good. We knew economies could break records – but we didn't know they could rewrite the entire record book. Today, in many ways, we are living in a "Tiger Woods" economy.
We are now in month 113 of the longest economic expansion in American history; unemployment is the lowest in 30 years. Twenty-two million new jobs were created in the last eight years; family incomes are climbing and the poverty rate is falling. It is an amazingly prosperous time.
We often give too little credit to the people who really make our economy perform: From the workers who build the jets and fix the computers and sweep the floors to the teachers who spend their days in the classroom with our children. These are the saints of Labor Day, who serve with honor and dignity.
I have seen the honor and dignity of the American worker. I've seen it in coal mines and in classrooms, in office suites and garages. On construction sites and in factories. I've seen it in workplaces all across the country. I've seen it so deeply, so profoundly, it will be with me the rest of my life. It has amazed me and humbled me. These working Americans will make the future a time of great possibilities and opportunity. I wish all of you a happy and enjoyable Labor Day. It's your holiday; you've earned it." -- Alexis M. Herman, Secretary of Labor
Read the History of Labor Day per the Department of Labor
More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
Explore the issues in labor law and the history of Labor Day with Law Guide Paul Reed.
The average person in the U.S. holds 9.2 jobs from age 18 to age 34. More than half of these jobs were held between the ages of 18 and 24. Read nine more interesting facts.
Links to vacancy announcements at dozens of agencies and military branches.
Links to vacancy announcements from all states and D.C.
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