U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer concluded a four-state swing on her “America at Work” listening tour yesterday, where she met with engineers, farmers, and manufacturers to learn more about their unique experiences in the labor force.
“President Trump has secured historic investments to revitalize critical industries and grow our workforce, and I’m committed to ensuring each and every wage earner has the skills they need to immediately fill the thousands of mortgage-paying jobs being created by his America First policies,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “As I near the end of my America at Work listening tour, hearing directly from workers on the ground has given me valuable insight into steps the Department of Labor can take to better support American Workers, and I look forward to doubling down on our efforts to provide hardworking men and women with the resources they need to succeed.”
Texas
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer began this four-state swing with a visit to Watson Drill Rigs in Fort Worth. As a leader in the drilled shaft industry, Watson provided the Secretary with a hands-on demonstration in operating drill rigs. The family-owned company shared their expertise and feedback, lauding the administration’s push to register more apprentices nationwide. Watson detailed how they have been actively seeking new ways to connect with students early in their careers to expose them to opportunities in the industry that do not require a college degree.
Mississippi
Joining the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer participated in a roundtable discussion about challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry. The Secretary shared more information about how the Labor Department is working on their behalf to streamline processes and expand work opportunities for their industry. The Farm Bureau briefed her on their policy efforts at the local, state, national, and international levels to ensure farmers, producers, and other key players are supported.
Alabama
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer then traveled to Huntsville for a walking tour of The Boeing Company’s Jetplex campus, including their Patriot Advanced Capability-3 seeker missile and circuit factories. She was joined by Rep. Dale Strong, who welcomed her to the “Rocket City.”
For more than 60 years, Boeing has been a vital partner in crafting the nation’s space and defense programs. The Secretary and Rep. Strong were able to engage with the technicians and engineers whose work greatly contributes to U.S. national security, learning more about the aerospace industry and its labor needs.
The visit concluded in Boeing’s Huntsville Electronics Center of Excellence. The Secretary spoke with electrical engineers and technicians who manufacture, maintain, and modify circuit boards, even trying her hand at a mock circuit card assembly. The staff reinforced her emphasis on early skills training for those who are about to enter the workforce.
Arkansas
Wrapping up her four-state swing, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer joined L3Harris Technologies Inc. in Camden.
The company’s leadership and employees detailed their work, which helps counter evolving threats in the defense and commercial sectors. The Secretary thanked them for their tireless efforts to support the nation’s warfighters and assured them she would relay their feedback to President Trump.