Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su commented on the December 2024 Employment Situation report, highlighting significant job growth and economic resilience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the U.S. economy added 256,000 jobs in December, surpassing market expectations. Unemployment decreased to 4.1 percent, and the three-month average for payroll employment gains reached 170,000.

Su noted that sectors such as private healthcare, retail, and government showed notable strength in December. Construction growth over the past year was driven by non-residential projects. Manufacturing jobs have fully recovered for the first time since the 1970s, which Su attributes to "the investments and leadership of this administration."

The labor force participation rate remained at 62.5 percent with continued wage growth across various industries and occupations. Su emphasized that "the Biden-Harris administration did exactly what it said it would do: recover from the pandemic stronger than ever." She added that the United States stands out globally as a nation that has effectively rebounded from pandemic challenges.

As the current administration prepares to transition power, Su expressed confidence in handing over an economy and labor market characterized by strength and opportunities for workers.