Government affairs

On March 10, in a 67-32 vote, the Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer as the next secretary of labor. The confirmation followed a bipartisan 14-9 vote in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) after a hearing on Feb. 19, where her qualifications and views on labor policies were thoroughly examined.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump nominated Chavez-DeRemer, a former one term Oregon Congresswoman, to lead the agency. In her time in Congress, Chavez-DeRemer proved to be a steadfast ally to letter carriers and organized labor and worked across party lines to advocate for policies that strengthen labor protections, expand collective bargaining, ensure safe working conditions, and protect retirement benefits. The Department of Labor (DOL) plays a key role in advancing economic opportunities, and if confirmed, her leadership will be crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of workers.

“NALC congratulates Lori Chavez-DeRemer on her confirmation to serve as the next secretary of labor,” NALC President Brian L. Renfroe said. “We look forward to working with her in our ongoing efforts for a national heat safety standard and to improve the services administered through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, which letter carriers injured on-the-job rely on.”

Prior to the Senate committee hearing, NALC issued a statement of support.

In advance of the Senate committee vote, NALC issued a letter of support.