THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Charlotte Amalie, V.I. 00802
340-774-0001
LABOR AND MANAGEMENT AWARENESS MONTH 2024

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BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES

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A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, on June 28, 1894, the United States Congress passed an Act making the first Monday in September, a legal holiday called Labor Day. Labor Day is observed to honor and recognize American workers for their social and economic achievements. In recognition of the Virgin Islands workforce, the Honorable Governor, Albert Bryan Jr., hereby issues this proclamation to recognize the month of September 2024 as Labor and Management Awareness Month in the United States Virgin Islands; and

WHEREAS, as an administration, we remain committed to investing and developing key areas in workforce development to continue training and encouraging community members currently residing in the Territory and to attract Virgin Islanders living abroad to return to the Territory. Reinforcing the United States Virgin Islands skill pipeline requires active participation between future employees and
current employers by informing, attracting, training, and hiring qualified individuals in targeted industries, namely renewable energy, marine services, research and development, tourism, and professional and technical services. The Virgin Islands Department of Labor (VIDOL) has the responsibility of developing the workforce to support our economic needs and consistently partners with core organizations in the private and public sector, to ensure the training and placement of individuals in targeted industries. We also partner with the Office of Foreign Labor Certification, to assist employers that need to fulfil a workforce gap when there is proof of insufficient qualified American workers available. This must not affect job opportunities, wages, and working conditions for Virgin Islanders; and

WHEREAS, VIDOL receives its authority following Titles 3, 24, 27 and 29 of the Virgin Islands Code, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA), and other Federal laws which require the development of administrative structures that govern and enforce fair labor standards and protect the people of the Virgin Islands from any threat to their health, morals, and general welfare. The mission of VIDOL remains to administer a system of effective programs and services designed to develop, protect, and maintain a viable workforce. We pledge to protect, improve, and employ the entire labor force of the U.S. Virgin Islands; and

WHEREAS, labor is essential in ensuring our continued success in attaining economic stability. As our economy continues to grow, considerable resources are distributed to create more access to training opportunities that can ensure financial stability and a higher standard of living for all Virgin Islanders. We have maintained a strong minimum wage of $10.50 an hour, surpassing other territories and countries in the region. Throughout this month we want to proudly acknowledge and commemorate all the work that our community completes to increase the significant economic, social, and cultural development of the Territory; and

WHEREAS, accordingly, the V .I. Department of Labor will lead the territory in the celebration of Labor and Management Awareness Month by hosting events that are designed to educate and celebrate every facet of our dynamic workforce. Each week of activities has a corresponding theme: Labor and Management Awareness, Employee Health and Wellness, Labor Affairs and Employee Rights and Protections, and Workforce Development; and

WHEREAS, VIDOL is workforce in action and local and federal partners ensure that the workforce development pendulum is swinging.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Albert Bryan Jr., Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Revised Organic Act of 1954 of the Virgin Islands, as amended, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2024 as “Labor and Management Awareness Month” in the United States Virgin Islands. I call upon all Virgin Islands residents to join me in paying tribute to these invaluable members of our community for the many achievements and contributions they have made to the social and economic progress of this Territory.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States to be affixed at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands this 27th day of August, A.D. 2024.