The Department of Labor: A Damage Assessment

[marmar]

from HuffPost:



Rep. George Miller
The Department of Labor: A Damage Assessment
Posted September 1, 2008 | 10:42 AM (EST)



Labor Day is a time to reflect on the achievements of the American worker and our nation's commitment to helping all families pursue the American Dream. But for millions of Americans there is little cause for celebration. While workers' wages have fallen, the cost of living has skyrocketed, the unemployment rate has soared, fewer workers have health coverage, and good retirement plans are increasingly scarce.

Nearly a century ago, Congress established the federal Department of Labor to be the advocate and champion for working Americans. Specifically, the department was created to advance three core goals: "to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners of the United States, to improve their working conditions, and to advance their opportunities for profitable employment."

However, under the Bush Presidency, these goals -- and the interests of workers -- have been under direct assault. .......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rep-george-miller/the-department-of-labor-a_b_122543.html