The most recent local jobless figures should give us all something to celebrate this Labor Day weekend.

July’s unemployment rate for Butler and Allegheny counties was 3.7 percent — meaning, virtually every individual who wants a job is working, earning a paycheck and contributing to a growth economy. Even the few who remain jobless could be working soon, judging from the number of prominently displayed help-wanted signs and advertisements.

Four percent is regarded as an optimum unemployment rate for a vibrant economy, state labor analyst Scott Meckley tells us in today’s front-page report. Pennsylvania’s jobless rate in July stood at 4.2 percent.

This sign of recovery is not something to take for granted. The region and nation have taken a decade to spring back fully from the collapse of the real estate, financial and stock markets that triggered the Great Recession and chronic double-digit unemployment.

The Marcellus Shale oil and gas boom can be credited for at least some of the recovery, especially in Pennsylvania, the nation’s No. 2 producer of natural gas, electricity and total energy, according to the federal Energy Information Administration. In addition to the 5.5 trillion cubic feet of gas produced in 2017, Pennsylvania ranks third for coal production, first for high grade anthracite coal.

It takes a dedicated, well-trained workforce to harvest and process these vital resources.

Likewise, a dedicated force of engineers, scientists and eco-entrepreneurs continue to develop more efficient vehicles, planes, manufacturing plants, appliances and other devices, as well as wind turbines, solar energy collectors and other power generation systems. The result is an ever-increasing efficiency in energy production and consumption — both of which factors contribute to net savings and profitability as well as energy conservation.

Consider this: In 2012, American refineries were importing 9 million barrels of oil a day. In 2017, net daily imports shrank to 6.8 million barrels, a 24-year low.

Granted, energy represents just one sector in a recovering economy, but it’s an important one that touches on nearly every other sector.

Labor Day traditionally starts the campaign season for November elections, and this year the battle for control of the U.S. House and Senate will be fiercely contested, as will races for state office, including governor.

In the weeks ahead, pay attention as the politicians stake out their positions and platforms. What’s their vision and plan to further strengthen an economy that’s running at virtual full employment?

Campaign strategist James Carville helped Bill Clinton unseat President George H.W. Bush in 1992 with the now-famous phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Carville’s slogan is as valid now as it was 26 years ago.

Equally valid is the notion that hard work and innovation should be fairly compensated. Let the worker enjoy the fruits of his or her own labor. It’s a reality that should give us some comfort — and give political campaigns a North Star by which to navigate — from Labor Day to Election Day.