Episodios

  • New Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Drives Bipartisan, Pro-Worker Agenda

    New Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Drives Bipartisan, Pro-Worker Agenda
    May 25 2025
    Lori Chavez-DeRemer has quickly become a prominent figure in Washington since her recent confirmation as the Secretary of Labor. After a bipartisan Senate vote of 67 to 32, which included support from 17 Democrats, Chavez-DeRemer, a former congresswoman from Oregon, assumed her new role in the Department of Labor under President Trump. Her appointment has drawn attention from both sides of the aisle, largely because of her notable record of bipartisan and pro-labor support, unusual for a Republican nominee for this position.

    Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation was strongly supported by major labor unions, including the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Teamsters, who cited her advocacy for workplace safety, retirement security, and her history of backing key legislative priorities for workers. During her time in Congress, she gave her backing to initiatives such as the Fire Grants and Safety Act, the Social Security Fairness Act, and measures to address occupational cancer among firefighters. She also sponsored legislation focusing on training, apprenticeships, and support for manufacturing jobs. Her support for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act and the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act further cemented her reputation as a champion for working Americans.

    One of her first major public appearances as Secretary of Labor was at The ESOP Association National Conference in Washington, D.C., where she expressed the administration’s support for employee stock ownership plans. Here, she made it clear that the Department of Labor intends to promote ESOPs as tools for worker empowerment and business resilience, promising a shift away from stringent regulatory approaches that had previously caused friction with the ESOP community. Chavez-DeRemer highlighted recent legislative efforts, such as the Employee Equity Investment Act and the American Ownership and Resilience Act, aimed at making it easier for businesses to transition to employee ownership, and stressed the importance of regulatory frameworks that support, rather than hinder, these initiatives.

    Internally, the Department of Labor has seen recent policy shifts regarding communication protocols. A directive warning staff about potential legal consequences for unauthorized communication with journalists was issued by her chief of staff. This move reflects increased scrutiny on internal information sharing as the administration pivots policy directions and undertakes significant organizational changes.

    Chavez-DeRemer’s term also begins amid broader efforts from the Trump administration to overhaul federal agencies, including attempts to cut diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and reduce federal workforce numbers. She has publicly stated her intention to thoroughly review such measures, signaling a careful approach to balancing administrative efficiency with the department’s commitment to worker protections and opportunities.

    Her leadership style and policy intentions have marked a significant departure from recent predecessors, promising more collaboration with labor organizations and a focus on worker-centered policies. As she faces the challenges of leading the Department of Labor through a period of change, Chavez-DeRemer’s actions and decisions are being closely watched by workers, employers, and policymakers across the country.
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    4 m
  • Lori Chavez-DeRemer: Navigating the Complexities of Labor Policy as Secretary of Labor

    Lori Chavez-DeRemer: Navigating the Complexities of Labor Policy as Secretary of Labor
    May 22 2025
    Lori Chavez-DeRemer has quickly become a prominent figure in public discourse since her recent confirmation as the Secretary of Labor. Confirmed by the Senate on March 10 with bipartisan support, including 17 Democrats joining Republicans, Chavez-DeRemer’s appointment marked the final approval of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Previously known for representing Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, she holds the distinction of being the first Republican woman from Oregon to serve in Congress, although she lost her seat in the 2024 election.

    As Secretary of Labor, Chavez-DeRemer has taken the helm of a department responsible for safeguarding worker rights and regulating key issues like unemployment reporting, workplace safety, minimum wage, and union organizing. Her leadership comes at a pivotal moment, with the White House seeking to significantly reduce the size of the federal workforce, a move that has drawn legal challenges involving the Department of Labor.

    Chavez-DeRemer has demonstrated a nuanced approach toward labor relations, garnering support from several major unions. During her time in Congress, she backed priorities such as advancing firefighter safety and addressing cancer risks linked to their occupational hazards. These actions earned her endorsements from the International Association of Fire Fighters and other labor groups, who see her as a valuable partner in improving workplace standards and advancing the health and safety of first responders.

    One of her most notable recent initiatives centers on retirement security. Chavez-DeRemer has been praised by a coalition of organizations and experts for her support of the Department of Labor’s Retirement Security Rule. The rule is designed to ensure that financial professionals providing retirement advice act in the best interests of their clients, closing regulatory gaps that previously left retirees vulnerable to conflicts of interest. The coalition urged her to continue defending this rule, emphasizing its importance to the financial well-being of American workers and retirees.

    In her first major public address as Secretary, Chavez-DeRemer spoke at The ESOP Association National Conference, underscoring her commitment to employee stock ownership plans and signaling a shift away from regulations that the ESOP community viewed as burdensome. She emphasized the need to promote, rather than hinder, these plans, which are seen as a tool for employee empowerment and financial security.

    Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure has not been without controversy. Recently, the Department of Labor under her leadership issued a warning to staff that speaking with journalists could result in legal consequences, drawing attention to concerns about transparency and internal communication. This directive has generated discussion about the balance between confidentiality in government operations and the public’s right to know.

    As her leadership continues, Lori Chavez-DeRemer faces the challenge of balancing pro-worker policies, regulatory reforms, and the pressures of a rapidly changing labor landscape. Her actions in the coming months will be closely watched by unions, employers, and policymakers alike, as the Department of Labor navigates an era of significant transition and scrutiny.
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    3 m
  • Headline: "Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Backs Trump Policies, Raises Concerns over Transparency"

    Headline: "Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Backs Trump Policies, Raises Concerns over Transparency"
    May 15 2025
    U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer has recently made headlines with several notable actions and statements. On May 2, 2025, she issued a statement regarding the April 2025 Employment Situation Report, addressing the current state of the American job market. On the same day, she publicly praised President Trump's America First budget proposal, emphasizing the administration's commitment to prioritizing American workers.

    In a more controversial development, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer's department issued a memo to staff members on May 13, 2025, warning of potential criminal charges for employees who speak to journalists without authorization. The memo, sent by her chief of staff Jihun Han, stated that "individuals who disclose confidential information or engage in unauthorized communications with the media may face serious legal consequences." These consequences could include "potential criminal penalties" and "immediate disciplinary actions, up to and including termination." This directive has raised concerns about transparency within the department and has been characterized by some employees as creating a "constant state of being terrorized."

    The Labor Department, under Chavez-DeRemer's leadership, has also been actively promoting the administration's manufacturing policy. Just yesterday, on May 14, 2025, the department highlighted on social media that "More manufacturing jobs are coming back to the United States thanks to @POTUS putting America First."

    Chavez-DeRemer, who was confirmed as Labor Secretary on March 10, 2025, in a bipartisan vote of 67-32, brings a unique background to her role. A Central Valley native from California and graduate of Hanford High School and Fresno State, she previously served one term as a Republican congresswoman from Oregon, making history as the first Republican woman elected to represent that state in Congress.

    Her confirmation was notable for crossing traditional party lines, with 17 Democrats supporting her nomination while three Republicans opposed it. Her relatively favorable rapport with unions and past support for pro-labor legislation, including the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), distinguished her from typical Republican nominees for the position.

    As Labor Secretary, Chavez-DeRemer oversees a department with nearly 16,000 full-time employees and a proposed budget of $13.9 billion for fiscal year 2025. Her responsibilities include reporting the U.S. unemployment rate, regulating workplace safety standards, investigating wage disputes, and enforcing laws on union organizing and unlawful terminations.

    During her confirmation hearing, Chavez-DeRemer committed to implementing President Trump's policy vision while acknowledging the need to review visa caps for foreign workers as part of the administration's focus on supporting American workers in the context of immigration policy.
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    3 m
  • "U.S. Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Endorses Trump's 'America First' Budget Proposal"

    "U.S. Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Endorses Trump's 'America First' Budget Proposal"
    May 13 2025
    U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer has publicly praised President Trump's America First budget proposal, issuing a statement from Washington earlier this month. The Secretary's endorsement comes as the administration continues to implement its economic agenda focused on American workers.

    Chavez-DeRemer, who was confirmed by the Senate on March 10, 2025, with notable bipartisan support in a 67-32 vote, has quickly established herself as a key figure in the Trump administration. Her confirmation received support from 17 Democrats while three Republicans opposed her nomination, reflecting her reputation as a moderate on labor issues.

    Prior to her appointment, Chavez-DeRemer served as a Republican congresswoman representing Oregon's 5th District and was a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee. Her background includes service as the mayor of Happy Valley, Oregon, and membership in various congressional caucuses including the Republican Main Street Partnership and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

    The Secretary now oversees a department with nearly 16,000 full-time employees and a proposed budget of $13.9 billion for fiscal year 2025. Her responsibilities include regulating workplace safety standards, investigating wage disputes, and enforcing laws on union organizing.

    Chavez-DeRemer faces significant challenges in her role, particularly regarding the administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce. Her department is among those named in lawsuits challenging the authority of billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to order layoffs and access sensitive government data.

    During her confirmation hearing, Chavez-DeRemer indicated she would examine DOGE operations within the Labor Department. She also expressed support for Registered Apprenticeship Programs and the reauthorization of the Workforce Opportunity and Innovation Act.

    The Secretary's previous support for the PRO Act, which would have strengthened workers' rights to organize, caused some hesitation among Republican senators during her confirmation process. However, she has aligned herself with the administration's immigration stance, stating, "The mass immigration we've seen over the last four years has hurt the American worker, and we want to make sure we're supporting President Trump in his endeavor to support the American worker at all costs."

    A California native and graduate of both Hanford High School and Fresno State, Chavez-DeRemer brings her Valley background to Washington. After her confirmation, she posted on social media that she was "deeply honored" to serve in this position.

    As the nation's 30th Secretary of Labor, Chavez-DeRemer will play a crucial role in shaping labor policies during a period of significant economic and workplace transformation in America.
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    3 m
  • Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Praises Trump's "America First" Budget, Addresses Job Trends

    Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Praises Trump's "America First" Budget, Addresses Job Trends
    May 11 2025
    U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer issued a statement on May 2, 2025, regarding the April 2025 Employment Situation Report, addressing the latest job figures and employment trends across the nation. On the same day, she also expressed strong support for President Trump's America First budget proposal, highlighting how the administration's economic policies align with her department's priorities.

    Chavez-DeRemer is relatively new to her cabinet position, having been confirmed by the Senate on March 10, 2025, with a bipartisan vote of 67-32. Her confirmation received support from 17 Democrats who crossed party lines, while three Republican senators—Mitch McConnell, Ted Budd, and Rand Paul—voted against her nomination.

    Before joining President Trump's cabinet, Chavez-DeRemer served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives for Oregon's 5th Congressional District. She lost her reelection bid to Democrat Janelle Bynum in November 2024, after which President Trump nominated her for the Labor Secretary position.

    Her appointment was seen as a nod to labor support Trump received during his campaign, particularly from the Teamsters union. Chavez-DeRemer has a somewhat unconventional record for a Republican appointee, having previously co-sponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would have strengthened workers' rights to unionize.

    During her confirmation hearing in February 2025, she addressed concerns about her previous pro-labor stances, calling the PRO Act "imperfect" while expressing support for right-to-work laws. She also indicated support for Registered Apprenticeship Programs and reauthorization of the Workforce Opportunity and Innovation Act.

    As Labor Secretary, Chavez-DeRemer oversees a department with nearly 16,000 employees and a proposed budget of $13.9 billion for fiscal year 2025. Her responsibilities include reporting unemployment rates, regulating workplace safety standards, investigating wage disputes, and enforcing laws on union organizing.

    Chavez-DeRemer faces significant challenges in her role, including ongoing lawsuits challenging the authority of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been operating within the Department of Labor. During her confirmation hearing, she promised to examine these efforts further once confirmed.

    The Secretary's background includes service on several House committees during her congressional tenure, including the Education and Workforce Committee, Agriculture Committee, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She was also a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

    Upon her confirmation, Chavez-DeRemer stated she was "deeply honored" and promised to "work tirelessly to put American Workers First by fighting for good-paying jobs, safe working conditions, and secure retirement benefits."
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    3 m
  • The Secretary of Labor what it is and does

    The Secretary of Labor what it is and does
    May 11 2025
    **Episode Description: Exploring Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer's Impact on U.S. Labor Policy**

    Join host Mortimer on "The Secretary of Labor Podcast," as we delve into the dynamic tenure of Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the historic 30th U.S. Secretary of Labor. Sworn in on March 11, 2025, Chavez-DeRemer is already reshaping the Department of Labor's priorities with her distinctive blend of mainstream Republican values and independent thinking.

    In this episode, understand Secretary Chavez-DeRemer's journey from Oregon's 5th Congressional District to the Labor Secretary seat, including her unique bipartisan support and noteworthy stance on the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. Discover how her background as a local government leader and congresswoman inform her pragmatic approach to labor policies.

    Key topics include her focus on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's proposed Emergency Response Standard for firefighter safety, her advocacy for Registered Apprenticeship Programs, and her stance on significant labor legislation. Gain insights from her recent podcast appearance with Teamsters President Sean O'Brien, highlighting her views on labor relations and corporate accountability.

    Learn why Chavez-DeRemer has captivated attention across political lines and what her leadership means for American workers, businesses, and future labor policy. Subscribe to stay informed about the evolving landscape of U.S. labor under Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. This is a Quiet Please production. For more, visit quietplease.ai.
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    18 m
  • "Shaping the Workforce Landscape: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer's Multifaceted Approach to Labor Policy"

    "Shaping the Workforce Landscape: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer's Multifaceted Approach to Labor Policy"
    May 8 2025
    In early May 2025, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been at the forefront of several key developments shaping the nation’s workforce landscape. Following robust debate and a close confirmation, she assumed her role as Secretary in April, leading the Department of Labor at a time when federal agencies are under scrutiny and workforce shifts are front and center. Her department is responsible for a wide range of functions, from reporting national unemployment and regulating workplace safety to investigating wage disputes and enforcing laws on union organizing.

    Recent headlines have focused on April’s employment data, which showed employers adding 177,000 new jobs. While this figure came in slightly below the previous month, it exceeded market expectations and kept the unemployment rate steady at 4.2 percent. Chavez-DeRemer has publicly celebrated these numbers, describing them as proof that the “golden age is here,” crediting the administration’s efforts to strengthen job growth. She highlighted gains in sectors like healthcare and local government, while acknowledging a modest decline in manufacturing jobs. Her attention remains fixed on improving workforce skills, especially in manufacturing, health care, and transportation, emphasizing the need for reskilling and upskilling to ensure American workers can adapt and thrive in changing industries.

    Notably, Chavez-DeRemer’s recent policy decisions have garnered attention from both business interests and organized labor. One of the most significant moves was her decision to halt enforcement of the independent contractor rule enacted under the previous administration. This rule, which had been controversial and widely contested, affected sectors like trucking and gig work by altering federal criteria for classifying workers as employees or contractors. The American Trucking Associations praised her swift action, arguing that it brings needed clarity for businesses and independent workers and removes regulatory burdens many viewed as stifling.

    Chavez-DeRemer has also brought her trademark focus on workforce development to bear in public events and policy discussions. During her visit to Tucson for the “America at Work” initiative, she talked about addressing skilled construction labor shortages and meeting the growing demand for infrastructure-related jobs. Her approach consistently stresses partnerships with employers and community organizations to expand registered apprenticeship programs and invest in on-the-job training. She has expressed a strong belief that not every career requires a four-year degree and advocates for broadening access to workforce training and reliable childcare, seeing them as essential supports for working families.

    Chavez-DeRemer’s record and perspectives are somewhat unconventional for a Secretary of Labor appointed by a Republican president. Known for her willingness to cross party lines, she was one of the few Republicans to co-sponsor the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, legislation aimed at strengthening union rights. While labor groups remain divided on her overall record, her nomination received support from some major unions, reflecting her pragmatic approach and the political importance of the labor vote.

    As the Department of Labor contends with lawsuits over federal authority and ongoing debates about the structure and scope of federal agencies, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s leadership is positioned at the intersection of economic growth, regulatory reform, and evolving workforce needs. Her actions and public remarks over the past week underscore a commitment to job creation, skills development, and navigating the complex landscape of labor policy with both pragmatism and determination.
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    4 m
  • "U.S. Labor Secretary Touts Job Growth, Faces Challenges Amid Workforce Restructuring"

    "U.S. Labor Secretary Touts Job Growth, Faces Challenges Amid Workforce Restructuring"
    May 6 2025
    In recent days, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the U.S. Secretary of Labor, has emerged as a prominent figure in national policy discussions, particularly with the release of the April 2025 Employment Situation Report. In her public remarks, Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the strength of the American labor market, highlighting that employers added 177,000 jobs in April, surpassing economists’ expectations despite a slight slowdown from the previous month. She characterized the report as evidence of a “golden age” for American workers under the current administration, underscoring job gains in health care and government sectors, while acknowledging a minor decline in manufacturing employment. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2 percent, matching economic forecasts.

    Chavez-DeRemer credited large-scale corporate investments in the American workforce and a focus on up-skilling workers as key factors in maintaining a positive labor trajectory. She outlined her intent to travel across the country to promote workforce development, particularly in manufacturing, reinforcing the administration’s goal of ensuring that American workers have opportunities to earn higher wages and secure stable jobs.

    Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure as Secretary of Labor has also been marked by significant internal and external challenges. Recently, her chief of staff issued a stern memo to Department of Labor employees, warning of potential disciplinary or even criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosures of agency business to the media or others. This move comes amid increased scrutiny and concern from employees about ongoing layoffs and organizational upheaval within the department. Current and former staff have expressed anxiety about the atmosphere of heightened surveillance and uncertainty, reflecting the pressures faced by federal workers during the administration’s restructuring initiatives.

    Appointed earlier this year after a bipartisan Senate confirmation, Chavez-DeRemer was previously known for her work as a Republican congresswoman from Oregon and for her relatively pro-labor stances, including support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. While this history prompted concern among some business groups and Republicans, Chavez-DeRemer reassured lawmakers during her confirmation that she would uphold states’ right-to-work laws and protect the interests of independent contractors and franchise businesses.

    Under her leadership, the Department of Labor continues to manage its broad mandate, including enforcement of workplace safety standards, investigation of wage and hour disputes, and oversight of union organizing rights. Chavez-DeRemer’s administration is also navigating ongoing legal and political challenges, such as lawsuits related to federal workforce reductions and the authority of government officials in data access and layoffs.

    Through it all, Lori Chavez-DeRemer remains a central voice in labor policy, striking a balance between advancing worker protections and responding to the evolving priorities of the administration. Her recent comments and actions reflect both optimism for the current employment landscape and a recognition of the complexities facing the nation’s workforce and the officials who serve them.
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    3 m
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