The Senate voted Monday to confirm Lori Chavez-DeRemer as U.S. labor secretary, a Cabinet position that puts her in charge of enforcing federally mandated worker rights and protections, reports The Associated Press. The vote to confirm Chavez-DeRemer was 67-32, with 17 Democrats voting yes and three Republicans voting no. Telecom trade groups praised the action.
The Labor Department had nearly 16,000 full-time employees and a proposed budget of $13.9 billion for fiscal year 2025. Some of its responsibilities include reporting the U.S. unemployment rate, regulating workplace health and safety standards, investigating minimum wage, child labor and overtime pay disputes, and applying laws on union organizing and unlawful terminations.
“NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, commends the U.S. Senate for confirming Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor and thus allowing President Trump’s full cabinet to get right to work this early in the administration,” said President/CEO Todd Schlekeway. “We look forward to collaborating with Secretary Chavez-DeRemer on a number of emerging workforce and regulatory issues as we continue to build out communications infrastructure across the nation. Her extensive experience and keen knowledge of the many policy and regulatory issues facing our industry make her well-equipped to excel in leading the Department of Labor,” added Schlekeway.
WIA congratulated Chavez-DeRemer. “Expanding and developing the wireless and broadband workforce of the future is a critical part of ensuring connectivity across America, including in our rural communities,” said WIA President/CEO Patrick Halley. “We look forward to working with Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and her staff to promote successful registered apprenticeship programs and establish high-quality career pathways in the broadband and wireless industries.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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