New York: President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as his Labor Secretary. Known for her pro-union stance in Congress, her nomination has sparked mixed reactions.
Some labor groups, like the AFL-CIO, are cautiously optimistic. They acknowledge her pro-labor record but worry that Trump’s broader policies may override her intentions. “She’s favorable to work, however Trump’s organization isn’t,” the AFL-CIO said.
During the 2020 election, Trump saw an increase in support from union households. However, many union leaders remain skeptical of Trump’s labor policies, which have historically been seen as anti-union. Concerns focus on potential rollbacks of protections like mandatory union election meeting rules and overtime pay for salaried workers.
The Teamsters, led by Sean O’Brien, supported Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination, citing her commitment to workers. However, labor leaders like Becky Pringle from the National Education Association voiced concern, noting the clash between Chavez-DeRemer’s pro-worker record and Trump’s anti-union history.
A key issue is Trump’s “Project 2025,” which many fear will undermine worker protections. Jody Calemine of the AFL-CIO warned that Trump’s plans could strip collective bargaining rights from federal employees and public-sector unions.
While Chavez-DeRemer’s Labor Department could influence private-sector regulations, Trump has the power to reshape the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by replacing pro-union leaders like Jennifer Abruzzo. This could limit workers’ ability to organize.
The ongoing legal battle with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which challenges the NLRB’s authority, further complicates the situation. Musk, a known anti-union figure, has clashed with government agencies like the Occupational Health and Safety Administration over worker rights.
Unionizing efforts surged under President Biden, but with the NLRB under Trump’s control, advocates worry progress could stall. Todd Vachon, a labor expert, cautioned that Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination might appear worker-friendly, but she will face resistance from an administration with a pro-business agenda.
Despite some praise from labor leaders, business groups are concerned. The Competitive Enterprise Institute argued that Chavez-DeRemer might not align with Trump’s deregulatory goals and called for a different choice.
Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination represents a balancing act. While she has pro-union credentials, the broader labor landscape under Trump’s administration remains uncertain.