    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [May 5, 1997]
    [Page 543]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Resignation of Cynthia A. Metzler From the Department
    of Labor
    May 5, 1997

        From the time she assumed the role of Acting Secretary of Labor in
    January, Cynthia A. Metzler provided leadership and vision for the
    16,000 employees of the Department of Labor. As a result of her unique
    blend of skills, the Department did not miss a beat in fulfilling its
    mission for America's working families. As Ms. Metzler departs for the
    private sector, the Department of Labor is positioned for a smooth and
    effective transition to Alexis Herman's leadership.
        During her tenure as Acting Secretary, Ms. Metzler continued and
    accelerated the Department's initiatives on behalf of working families.
    Low wage workers now have better protections as a result of Ms.
    Metzler's efforts to expand the Department's sweatshop initiative, as
    well as new initiatives launched in other low wage industries. Ms.
    Metzler has also assured that workers' pensions are better protected.
        In addition, Acting Secretary Metzler kicked off this year's
    Washington, DC, summer jobs program earlier than any other year. She
    doubled the number of summer youth the Department will hire, and she led
    the Department's effort to create more job opportunities for DC
    residents in furtherance of this administration's DC initiative. She
    also provided outstanding leadership in our effort to train and employ
    welfare recipients.
        As Cynthia Metzler starts a new chapter in her exceptional career,
    Hillary and I wish her the very best and thank her for her outstanding
    service to this administration and to the American people.