L&I’s Berrier reflects on economy ahead of Labor Day

To celebrate Labor Day, Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier joined labor leaders and legislators to reflect on Pennsylvania’s strong economy Wednesday. 

Berrier noted the declining unemployment rate and opportunity for policies that benefit Pennsylvania workers and families.  

Labor activists throughout Pennsylvania have recognized Labor Day since the 1880s and it was adopted as a federal holiday in 1894.

In July, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was down two-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 4.3%, she said. From April 2020 through July 2022, Pennsylvania has recovered approximately 90% of jobs lost in the first two months of the pandemic period.  

In June 2022, there were approximately 106,000 more job openings than there were unemployed Pennsylvanians, Berrier said. 

“As Pennsylvania workers, families, and businesses continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, with job growth and declining unemployment, Pennsylvania still faces a historically tight labor market which presents significant opportunities and new choices for our commonwealth,” Berrier said. 

 “At every level, from individual employers to government agencies, it is our responsibility to recognize the reality of this moment and make decisions that are responsive to the needs of Pennsylvania workers – without whom our thriving economy would not even function,” she said. “Employers who choose to offer their workers family-sustaining wages, paid time off, healthcare benefits, safe workplaces, opportunities for career advancement and flexible working options will be competitive in this labor market. Those who don’t will not.”