Saunders celebrates Walsh confirmation; says he will be a powerful advocate for worker rights

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Marty Walsh as U.S. Secretary of Labor: 

“Marty Walsh is the leader Americans need to carry out the president’s pro-worker agenda. He will work to expand rights, freedoms and protections to everyone, not just for the wealthy and corporations. Secretary Walsh has dedicated his career to advancing the interests of working families of all backgrounds. As labor secretary and a close ally of the president, he will be a powerful and effective voice for working people in the Biden administration.

“Labor runs in Secretary Walsh’s veins. He is a card-carrying union member who believes in equity in the workplace and the importance of having a voice on the job. As mayor of Boston, he has always put the working people of his city first, championing good union jobs and giving everyone, regardless of race, gender, or zip code a seat at the table.

“As labor secretary, Marty Walsh will pursue an agenda that levels the playing field for everyday people who are struggling to get by and for public service workers who work tirelessly day after day to keep our communities and our economy running. That means raising wages, boosting job training, strengthening retirement security, keeping workers safe, and so much more.

“Like President Joe Biden, Marty Walsh understands that working people are the backbone of our communities. AFSCME congratulates the secretary on his confirmation, and we look forward to working with him in the days to come.”