WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement on the resignation of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer:
“Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure was a failure for working people – from neglecting to move forward with a nationwide heat standard that would save lives to directly attacking workers’ collective bargaining rights, pay and benefits. But let’s be clear: replacing her with Acting Secretary Sonderling won’t help workers if the policies don’t change.
“The Department of Labor exists to protect workers, defend our freedom to organize, enforce the law, hold employers accountable, and keep people safe on the job. Under this billionaire-run administration, that mission has been gutted and workers are paying the price.
“This resignation is an opening to nominate a Labor Secretary who will stand up for workers’ rights and safety and defend our voice on the job. As prices rise, jobs are lost, income inequality soars, and the economy slows, we hope this administration will realize that investing in workers is how we get back on track.”
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AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.