During the last four years we have given top priority to meeting the needs
of workers and providing additional job opportunities to those who seek
work. Since the end of 1976:
Almost 9 million new jobs have been added to the nation's economy total
employment has reached 97 million. More jobs than ever before are held by
women, minorities and young people. Employment over the past four years has
increased by: 17% for adult women 11% for blacks, and 30% for Hispanics
employment of black teenagers increased by more than 5%, reversing the
decline that occurred in the previous eight years.
Major initiatives launched by this Administration helped bring about these
accomplishments and have provided a solid foundation for employment and
training policy in the 1980's. In 1977, as part of the comprehensive
economic stimulus program:
425,000 public service jobs were created A $1 billion youth employment
initiative funded 200,000 jobs the doubling of the Job Corps to 44,000
slots began and 1 million summer youth jobs were approved--a 25 percent
increase.
In 1978:
The Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act became law the $400 million
Private Sector Initiatives Program was begun a targeted jobs tax credit for
disadvantaged youth and others with special employment barriers was enacted
the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act was reauthorized for four
years.
In 1979:
A $6 billion welfare reform proposal was introduced with funding for
400,000 public service jobs welfare reform demonstration projects were
launched in communities around the country the Vice President initiated a
nationwide review of youth unemployment in this country.
In 1980:
The findings of the Vice President's Task Force revealed the major
education and employment deficits that exist for poor and minority
youngsters. As a result a $2 billion youth education and jobs initiative
was introduced to provide unemployed youth with the basic education and
work experience they need to compete in the labor market of the 1980's. As
part of the economic revitalization program several steps were proposed to
aid workers in high unemployment communities:
An additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits for the long term
unemployed. $600 million to train the disadvantaged and unemployed for new
private sector jobs. Positive adjustment demonstrations to aid workers in
declining industries. The important Title VII Private Sector Initiatives
Program was reauthorized for an additional two years.
In addition to making significant progress in helping the disadvantaged and
unemployed, important gains were realized for all workers:
An historic national accord with organized labor made it possible for the
views of working men and women to be heard as the nation's economic and
domestic policies were formulated; the Mine Safety and Health Act brought
about improved working conditions for the nation's 500,000 miners.
substantial reforms of Occupational Safety and Health Administration were
accomplished to help reduce unnecessary burdens on business and to focus on
major health and safety problems; the minimum wage was increased over a
four year period from $2.30 to $3.35 an hour; the Black Lung Benefit Reform
Act was signed into law; attempts to weaken Davis-Bacon Act were defeated.
While substantial gains have been made in the last four years, continued
efforts are required to ensure that this progress is continued:
Government must continue to make labor a full partner in the policy
decisions that affect the interests of working men and women; a broad,
bipartisan effort to combat youth unemployment must be sustained
compassionate reform of the nation's welfare system should be continued
with employment opportunities provided for those able to work; workers in
declining industries should be provided new skills and help in finding
employment.