On Monday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer as the Secretary of Labor with a 67-32 vote. Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican congresswoman from Oregon, is the daughter of a Teamster and has been recognized for her pro-labor stance.
During her tenure in the House, she co-sponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, legislation aimed at facilitating unionization and strengthening workers’ rights. However, during her confirmation hearing, she expressed support for state “right to work” laws, indicating a nuanced position on labor issues.
A vocal opponent to Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination was Bernie Sanders. He commented on her nomination, saying, “As we speak, Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies are stealing the American dream away from working families, rigging every lever of society in favor of the billionaire class. That’s why we need the PRO Act, to empower hardworking Americans to bargain for better wages, benefits, and safer working conditions.”
As Secretary of Labor, Chavez-DeRemer will oversee a department with nearly 16,000 employees and a proposed budget of $13.9 billion for fiscal year 2025. The department’s responsibilities include reporting the U.S. unemployment rate, regulating workplace health and safety standards, and investigating disputes related to minimum wage, child labor, and overtime pay.
Her confirmation reflects bipartisan support, with endorsements from prominent labor unions such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. This appointment positions Chavez-DeRemer to play a crucial role in shaping labor policies amidst ongoing discussions about workers’ rights and unionization efforts.
