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Newly Confirmed U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer to Navigate Evolving Labor Landscape
Published 11 months, 1 week ago
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Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been confirmed by the Senate as the new U.S. Secretary of Labor, marking a significant development in the country's labor policies. The confirmation vote, which took place on March 11, 2025, saw Chavez-DeRemer receive bipartisan support with a 67-32 vote, including 17 Democrats and all but three Republicans voting in her favor[1][4].
Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican congresswoman from Oregon and the daughter of a Teamster, has been sworn in as the 30th Secretary of Labor. Her swearing-in ceremony was attended by General President Edward Kelly of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), among other labor leaders and members of Congress. Kelly expressed optimism about Chavez-DeRemer's appointment, highlighting her ability to bring employers and workers together and her commitment to advancing the health and safety of firefighters[4].
During her confirmation hearing, Chavez-DeRemer walked a fine line between appealing to both Democrats and Republicans. She faced questioning about her past support for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which aims to make it easier for workers to unionize. While she had co-sponsored the legislation, she later walked back some of her support, stating her backing for state 'right to work' laws. This stance has raised questions among some Democratic senators and workers' rights advocates about her independence and allegiance within the Trump administration[1].
Chavez-DeRemer's vision for the Department of Labor includes supporting good-paying jobs, growing the economy, and ensuring comfortable retirements for Americans. She emphasized her experience as a small businesswoman and her connection to labor through her father's membership in the Teamsters. On her first day in office, she met with General President Kelly to discuss key initiatives, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed Emergency Response Standard (ERS)[4].
Her appointment comes at a time when the Department of Labor is undergoing significant changes. President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14173 has revoked Executive Order 11246, which prohibited employment discrimination and required federal contractors to develop affirmative action programs for women and minorities. As a result, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) will reduce its operations from 55 offices to four and cut its workforce by 90%. However, OFCCP will continue to enforce statutory obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974[5].
These changes have introduced uncertainty for federal contractors, who are no longer subject to OFCCP review and enforcement regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action for women and minorities. The Labor Department has issued a cease and desist order halting all investigations and enforcement activity under the revoked executive order, with further guidance expected as the situation evolves[5].
Chavez-DeRemer's leadership will be crucial in navigating these changes and ensuring the Department of Labor continues to enforce federally mandated worker rights and protections, including regulating workplace health and safety standards, investigating wage disputes, and applying laws on union organizing and unlawful terminations[1].
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican congresswoman from Oregon and the daughter of a Teamster, has been sworn in as the 30th Secretary of Labor. Her swearing-in ceremony was attended by General President Edward Kelly of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), among other labor leaders and members of Congress. Kelly expressed optimism about Chavez-DeRemer's appointment, highlighting her ability to bring employers and workers together and her commitment to advancing the health and safety of firefighters[4].
During her confirmation hearing, Chavez-DeRemer walked a fine line between appealing to both Democrats and Republicans. She faced questioning about her past support for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which aims to make it easier for workers to unionize. While she had co-sponsored the legislation, she later walked back some of her support, stating her backing for state 'right to work' laws. This stance has raised questions among some Democratic senators and workers' rights advocates about her independence and allegiance within the Trump administration[1].
Chavez-DeRemer's vision for the Department of Labor includes supporting good-paying jobs, growing the economy, and ensuring comfortable retirements for Americans. She emphasized her experience as a small businesswoman and her connection to labor through her father's membership in the Teamsters. On her first day in office, she met with General President Kelly to discuss key initiatives, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed Emergency Response Standard (ERS)[4].
Her appointment comes at a time when the Department of Labor is undergoing significant changes. President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14173 has revoked Executive Order 11246, which prohibited employment discrimination and required federal contractors to develop affirmative action programs for women and minorities. As a result, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) will reduce its operations from 55 offices to four and cut its workforce by 90%. However, OFCCP will continue to enforce statutory obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974[5].
These changes have introduced uncertainty for federal contractors, who are no longer subject to OFCCP review and enforcement regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action for women and minorities. The Labor Department has issued a cease and desist order halting all investigations and enforcement activity under the revoked executive order, with further guidance expected as the situation evolves[5].
Chavez-DeRemer's leadership will be crucial in navigating these changes and ensuring the Department of Labor continues to enforce federally mandated worker rights and protections, including regulating workplace health and safety standards, investigating wage disputes, and applying laws on union organizing and unlawful terminations[1].
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI