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"Newly Confirmed U.S. Secretary of Labor Hits the Ground Running with Sweeping Reforms"
Published 11 months ago
Description
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Labor, has wasted no time in making her mark on the Department of Labor (DOL) since her Senate confirmation on March 10, 2025. In a bipartisan vote of 67-32, Chavez-DeRemer secured her position, with support from both sides of the aisle, including 17 Democrats who voted in her favor.
The former Republican congresswoman from Oregon has already begun to reshape the DOL's priorities and policies. One of her first actions was to address the controversial independent contractor rule. Chavez-DeRemer has signaled her intention to revise the current rule, which makes it more difficult for workers to be classified as independent contractors. This move aligns with the Trump administration's goal of promoting flexibility in the workforce and reducing regulatory burdens on businesses.
In a surprising development, Chavez-DeRemer has also taken steps to reinstate probationary employees at the DOL who were recently laid off. This decision has been met with approval from labor unions, who view it as a positive sign of her commitment to maintaining a robust workforce within the department.
The new Labor Secretary has also been tasked with implementing Executive Order 14173, which revoked the previous administration's Executive Order 11246. This change has significant implications for federal contractors, as it eliminates certain affirmative action requirements for women and minorities. Chavez-DeRemer is now working to update DOL policies and guidance to reflect these changes while ensuring compliance with remaining statutory obligations.
In response to recent court decisions, Chavez-DeRemer is navigating the aftermath of the Eastern District of Texas ruling that vacated the DOL's Final Rule on increasing the minimum salary requirements for "white collar" exemptions. She is now tasked with determining the department's next steps regarding overtime pay and exemption criteria under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The Secretary has also turned her attention to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), emphasizing the need to modernize safety standards for the 21st century. She has expressed support for the proposed Emergency Response Standard, which would replace the current "Fire Brigades Standard" and potentially impact safety regulations for firefighters and emergency medical workers.
Chavez-DeRemer's confirmation has been met with cautious optimism from labor organizations. While some unions, such as the AFL-CIO, have expressed concern about the broader Trump administration's labor policies, they remain hopeful that Chavez-DeRemer will advocate for workers' rights within the cabinet.
As she settles into her role, the new Labor Secretary faces the challenge of balancing the administration's pro-business agenda with the needs of American workers. Her past support for employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and her previous sponsorship of the PRO Act suggest a nuanced approach to labor issues that may set her apart from her predecessors.
In the coming weeks, observers will be watching closely to see how Chavez-DeRemer navigates pressing issues such as the ongoing debate over gig economy workers, potential changes to overtime rules, and the implementation of new safety standards across various industries. Her decisions in these areas will likely shape the landscape of American labor relations for years to come.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
The former Republican congresswoman from Oregon has already begun to reshape the DOL's priorities and policies. One of her first actions was to address the controversial independent contractor rule. Chavez-DeRemer has signaled her intention to revise the current rule, which makes it more difficult for workers to be classified as independent contractors. This move aligns with the Trump administration's goal of promoting flexibility in the workforce and reducing regulatory burdens on businesses.
In a surprising development, Chavez-DeRemer has also taken steps to reinstate probationary employees at the DOL who were recently laid off. This decision has been met with approval from labor unions, who view it as a positive sign of her commitment to maintaining a robust workforce within the department.
The new Labor Secretary has also been tasked with implementing Executive Order 14173, which revoked the previous administration's Executive Order 11246. This change has significant implications for federal contractors, as it eliminates certain affirmative action requirements for women and minorities. Chavez-DeRemer is now working to update DOL policies and guidance to reflect these changes while ensuring compliance with remaining statutory obligations.
In response to recent court decisions, Chavez-DeRemer is navigating the aftermath of the Eastern District of Texas ruling that vacated the DOL's Final Rule on increasing the minimum salary requirements for "white collar" exemptions. She is now tasked with determining the department's next steps regarding overtime pay and exemption criteria under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The Secretary has also turned her attention to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), emphasizing the need to modernize safety standards for the 21st century. She has expressed support for the proposed Emergency Response Standard, which would replace the current "Fire Brigades Standard" and potentially impact safety regulations for firefighters and emergency medical workers.
Chavez-DeRemer's confirmation has been met with cautious optimism from labor organizations. While some unions, such as the AFL-CIO, have expressed concern about the broader Trump administration's labor policies, they remain hopeful that Chavez-DeRemer will advocate for workers' rights within the cabinet.
As she settles into her role, the new Labor Secretary faces the challenge of balancing the administration's pro-business agenda with the needs of American workers. Her past support for employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and her previous sponsorship of the PRO Act suggest a nuanced approach to labor issues that may set her apart from her predecessors.
In the coming weeks, observers will be watching closely to see how Chavez-DeRemer navigates pressing issues such as the ongoing debate over gig economy workers, potential changes to overtime rules, and the implementation of new safety standards across various industries. Her decisions in these areas will likely shape the landscape of American labor relations for years to come.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI