Saunders hails Buttigieg confirmation; says he will work for bold investments in our nation’s infrastructure

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement regarding the Senate’s vote to confirm Pete Buttigieg as secretary of the Department of Transportation:

“Pete Buttigieg will provide the leadership we need at the Department of Transportation at a moment when bolstering our nation’s infrastructure has never been more important.

“The COVID-19 crisis has exposed our transportation and infrastructure systems as underfunded, grossly neglected and in need of substantial repair, modernization and expansion. As a former mayor, he has the know-how to address these big challenges and he will be vigilant about ensuring that all transportation workers – including many AFSCME members – will be protected from COVID-19. He is committed to bold, long-term transportation investments that will showcase American ingenuity, create union jobs, rebuild our middle class and make our infrastructure the envy of the world.

“Secretary Buttigieg assumes the helm of a department whose work is critical to all working families. AFSCME congratulates him on his confirmation, and we look forward to working with him during the Biden-Harris administration.”