ASSP expresses optimism towards new US Department of Labour leadership
The U.S. Department of Labour has a new leader at the helm.
On Monday, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Lori Chavez-DeRemer as U.S. Secretary of Labour with a bipartisan vote of 67-32.
“As a small businesswoman and the daughter of a Teamster, I will act on my experience and work with business and labor to support good-paying jobs, grow our economy, and ensure every American can enjoy a comfortable retirement,” she said, according to a labour department press release.
“As we strive to create a new Golden Age of prosperity, I’m ready to team up with all those committed to fighting for the American Worker.”
In 2022, Chavez-DeRemer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives by Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, becoming the first Republican woman and one of the first Latinas elected to Congress from the state.
She served on the House committees on Agriculture; Education and the Workforce; and Transportation and Infrastructure.
During her time in Congress, Chavez-DeRemer co-sponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.
On Monday, she said that she had signed on as a co-sponsor because she wanted a seat at the table to discuss important labor issues, according to a CTV News report.
However, under further questioning, she also said she supported state “right to work” laws, which allow employees to refuse to join a union in their workplace.
ASSP’s response to new leadership
Meanwhile, Pam Walaski, president of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), said that the group looks forward to working with the new leadership at the Department of Labour.
“We are encouraged that Secretary Chavez-DeRemer has established a clear record in support of workers as a small business owner and former congresswoman. Based on her testimony, she also aligns with ASSP’s strong position against exploitative child labour.”
Walaski also called for a collective effort driven by contributions from all groups and government agencies involved to bring down serious workplace injury, illness and fatality numbers.
