WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today inducted the essential workers of the coronavirus pandemic into the Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor in recognition of their sacrifices and continuous efforts to support America’s communities through the pandemic.
Essential workers, including teachers, grocery workers and transportation workers who sustained our economy since 2020 attended the event and spoke about how becoming an essential worker during the pandemic affected their lives and the lives of their families. These workers and their families represent a small part of a much larger group of essential workers now commemorated in the department’s Hall of Honor.
“The Hall of Honor is about people who changed history, and that’s exactly what the essential workers of the coronavirus pandemic did for our country,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Today, we remember the essential workers who passed away during the pandemic and honor the ongoing labor of all essential workers. I am so grateful for the chance to thank some of them in person during our Hall of Honor induction ceremony, and in my travels around the country.”
“These are the workers who put their heart and soul into helping their communities during the worst days of the pandemic – and whom we continue to depend on every day,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su. “As we honor these essential workers, we also have a new understanding and appreciation of how our economy and society depends on the tremendous hard work, commitment, creativity, resilience and sacrifices of workers every single day.”
Watch a video honoring the essential workers of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Labor Department’s Hall of Honor was established in 1988 to honor those whose distinctive contributions in the field of labor have elevated working conditions, wages and overall quality of life of America’s working families. It is the highest honor bestowed by the department.
Read more from Secretary Walsh on how the department is celebrating the strength of America’s workforce this Labor Day.
Learn more about Labor Day.
