Trump’s Labor Secretary Pick Is a Union Favorite—and a Threat to Right-to-Work Laws
Given the salacious allegations against some of President Donald Trump’s cabinet nominations, it is understandable how secretary of labor nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer has mostly flown under the radar. But from a policy perspective, Chavez-DeRemer’s voting record is concerning—especially for those who value federalism and coercion-free workplaces.
For most of her political career, Chavez-DeRemer, who lost her Oregon congressional seat in November, has been a polarizing figure. The daughter of a Teamster, her soft spot for unions puts her at odds with her Republican colleagues and right-of-center groups. In a letter to the Senate, president of the National Right to Work Committee Mark Mix wrote that Chavez-DeRemer’s judgment is “clearly compromised” and that she “must be rejected as the Secretary of Labor.”
The other side of the aisle offers mixed reviews. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D–Mass.) called Chavez-DeRemer “a strong candidate for the job.” Yet other Democrats—many of whom contributed to the $20 million campaign against Chavez-DeRemer’s reelection bid—think she is “hardly” pro-union.
Even unions seem divided on the potential labor secretary. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O’Brien endorsed Chavez-DeRemer’s cabinet nomination. But the AFL-CIO gave her record a low-end 10 percent rating—only four points above the average House Republican.
This week, senators asked to confirm Chavez-DeRemer will have to sort all of this out.
Chavez-DeRemer has backed legislation that would disproportionately benefit labor unions at the expense of the workers they purportedly represent. For example, she was one of only three Republicans to cosponsor the Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021 (PRO Act). If passed, the PRO Act would effectively repeal right-to-work laws prohibiting mandatory union membership as an employment condition. Currently, 26 states have right-to-work statutes. This
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
