‘REAL FEAR': Trump's Labor secretary admits tough decisions will be made amid shutdown

Government Shutdown Impact on Labor Market - The government shutdown is preventing the release of the September jobs data, which is crucial for assessing the labor market [3][17] - The shutdown is expected to halt essential services, including apprenticeship programs and unemployment services, affecting federal workers and the economy [15][16] Economic Indicators and Job Growth - Despite the shutdown, there has been a momentum of job gains and consumer confidence is reportedly up, with businesses looking to reinvest in their workforce [6][10] - The GDP growth rate is noted at 3.8%, indicating positive economic indicators despite recent job slowdowns [10][12] Workforce Development and Skills Gap - There is a significant need for skilled workers, particularly in trades such as welding and construction, with estimates of needing 300,000 to 500,000 electricians [12][9] - The administration is focused on upskilling and reskilling the workforce to meet the demands of the economy, especially in light of technological advancements like AI [20][28] AI and Future Workforce - The Department of Labor aims to ensure that the American workforce is proficient in AI, with programs being developed to train individuals in these skills [27][29] - The administration is committed to not displacing workers due to AI but rather assisting them in adapting to new technologies [28][30]