Good Day to All of the Hardworking Men and Women in the U.S. Virgin Islands,
I hope this message finds everyone in a safe, encouraging, and healthy work environment. As we celebrate the 129th Labor Day weekend this September 4, many of us are safely surrounded by our family and friends honoring hard-working Virgin Islanders and reflecting on any hardships faced as workers. Labor Day is a holiday to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
The mission of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor (VIDOL) remains to administer a system of effective programs and services designed to develop, protect, and maintain a viable workforce. September is proclaimed Labor Awareness Month (Labor Month) by the Honorable Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Throughout September, VIDOL will be engaging with the wide range of Labor services available to our community and highlighting the abundance of information available to maintain and increase a sustainable workforce.
As of July 2023, the unemployment rate for the Virgin Islands is 3.7%, capturing a 0.2% decrease from June 2023 and a decrease of 1.1% from July 2022. This is evidence of our continued commitment to Workforce Development and improving the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders, especially those who are wage earners, job seekers, veterans, individuals with disabilities and retirees. Additionally, we aim to improve working conditions, advance opportunities for profitable employment, and ensure work-related benefits and rights. Bridging the gap between employer and our clients with successful programs and services will increase everyone’s access to resources and assist with providing an ideal environment to achieve our mission.
We extend words of appreciation to all workers throughout this territory, including individuals in government, private, non-profit sectors, and entrepreneurs, for their continued drive to serve our community and provide them with the utmost care. As a department, we are proud of Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s leadership and support for the Workforce Development of the Territory. The Virgin Islands Department of Labor wishes everyone a happy Labor Month and a peaceful remainder of the hurricane season.
Thank you,
Gary Molloy
Commissioner