Labor Day, Celebrating Progress for California Workers
Blog post: September 4, 2026
As Californians observe Labor Day, workers across the state are experiencing growth in wages, job opportunities, and access to career‑building resources.
“California’s workforce is demonstrating resilience and momentum,” said Stewart Knox, Secretary of the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. “Workers across the state are gaining access to better jobs, stronger wages, and clearer career pathways. This Labor Day, we reflect on our progress, but we do not rest on our laurels. We double down on our commitment to support equitable growth and opportunity.”
On January 1, 2027, California’s minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour, providing greater economic support to working families across the state.
In addition to rising wages, the Employment Development Department (EDD) announced that California accounted for more than one third of all new jobs in the U.S. over the past year, far exceeding the state’s share of the national labor force.
Resources such as EDD’s Stronger Jobs, Stronger Communities webpage furthers this work by connecting Californians to local and free workforce resources to help with career planning, training and employment, while also helping employers access services to support recruitment and hiring.
The Employment Training Panel (ETP) continues to support skill-building and career mobility through strategic investments in training and upskilling workers. This includes training in high-growth fields such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, high tech, shipbuilding, and semiconductors. For example, ETP’s recent approval of $896,000 to support workforce training for up to 200 current and new associates at the Bosch manufacturing site will help upskill workers in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, reinforcing California’s broader leadership in electric vehicle innovation and critical supply chains.
During 2025-26 fiscal year, ETP approved training projects expected to serve more than 73,000 workers statewide.
California continues to enforce the rights of workers, ensuring all workers have access to the protections and benefits they are entitled to under the law. The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) recently announced a $34.9 million commitment to continue the California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP). Through partnerships with more than 100 community-based organizations, CWOP provides trusted support for workers, especially in regions such as the Central Coast, San Joaquin Valley, and Imperial County. Since its launch in 2021, CWOP has reached more than 2 million workers and employers in 42 languages, helping Californians understand their workplace rights, access protections, and navigate job-related challenges.
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