AFL-CIO Chief Urges Chavez-DeRemer to Support Workers as Labor Secretary

Lori Chavez-DeRemer's Confirmation as Labor Secretary Sparks Hope and Caution

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement on the Senate vote to confirm Lori Chavez-DeRemer as secretary of labor:

With the confirmation of Lori Chavez-DeRemer as the new secretary of labor, the AFL-CIO expresses cautious optimism, noting her track record of advocating for workers' rights, including the freedom to organize and join unions. Despite this, concerns remain about her joining an administration perceived as antagonistic to labor interests in its initial months.

During her tenure in Congress, Chavez-DeRemer backed key pieces of legislation such as the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. These initiatives are designed to empower workers to unionize and seek improved workplace conditions. Her collaboration with unions on crucial issues, including support for registered apprenticeships to build a skilled worker pipeline for construction jobs, and efforts to enhance airline pilot training programs, underscore her legislative focus.

Although Chavez-DeRemer's critique of certain PRO Act provisions during her confirmation hearing was noted with disappointment, her past actions instill hope that her leadership at the Department of Labor (DOL) will reflect the pro-worker values she supported in Congress.

Leading the DOL in the current administration presents significant challenges, with the potential impact of Project 2025 appointees seeking to undermine essential worker protections. Her effectiveness will hinge on her ability to champion workers' interests amidst these pressures. The labor movement remains committed to cooperating with her to ensure that workers' needs remain a priority.

As Chavez-DeRemer steps into her role within the Trump Cabinet, she is urged to advocate assertively for laborers reliant on the Department of Labor to defend their wages, safety, and unionization rights robustly. Additionally, there's a call to halt the reduction of DOL personnel who enforce federal labor laws and safeguard worker information. With critical agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Mine Safety and Health Administration facing staffing shortages, enhancing their resources and personnel is deemed vital for maintaining worker protection.

The labor movement anticipates working closely with Chavez-DeRemer, hoping she will serve as a rational advocate for workers within this administration.

Contact: Steve Smith, 202-637-5018