AFT's Weingarten Comments on Chavez-DeRemer's Labor Secretary Role

AFT President Weingarten Comments on Lori Chavez-DeRemer's Appointment as Labor Secretary

WASHINGTON—In response to the confirmation of Lori Chavez-DeRemer as the U.S. Secretary of Labor, AFT President Randi Weingarten released a statement highlighting the expectations and challenges ahead for the newly appointed secretary.

Weingarten emphasized the importance of collaboration with leaders who support an agenda focused on improving opportunities for workers and their families. "That is in the DNA of the labor movement and of public education," she remarked. The statement underscores the critical role Chavez-DeRemer will play in defining whether the Department of Labor will advocate for the well-being of workers, including upholding collective bargaining and organizing rights, or align with the interests of the wealthiest.

Concerns were also raised about current legislative actions in Congress, where Weingarten noted that Chavez-DeRemer's former peers are targeting union rights while making cuts to Medicaid, OSHA, and Social Security to facilitate tax reductions for billionaires. She expressed hope that Chavez-DeRemer's track record and personal history would support workers' rights to unite for common interests. Weingarten concluded with the aspiration that Chavez-DeRemer would follow in the footsteps of Frances Perkins, as opposed to adhering to the directives of figures like Elon Musk.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), which Weingarten leads, represents a diverse membership of 1.8 million individuals, including educators from pre-K through 12th grade, higher education faculty, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.

---
Read More USA Works News