[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 19 (Monday, May 12, 1997)]
[Page 649]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.