Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., has been sworn in as the latest U.S. Secretary of Labor. The Senate voted her into the job by a bipartisan 67-32 margin on March 10.

“The AFL-CIO is encouraged by Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation as Labor Secretary, given her history of supporting the freedom of workers to organize, join unions and other fundamental values of the” Protect The Right To Organize (PRO) Act, said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said. Left unsaid was that Chavez-DeRemer endorsed the PRO Act last August, only after a Senate GOP filibuster, backed by corporate cash and campaign contributions, killed it.

“However, we remain clear-eyed that she’s joining an administration that’s been openly hostile to working people on many fronts in its first two months.,” Shuler warned. She noted that in Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation hearing, the former lawmaker backtracked on supporting some PRO Act provisions. Chavez-DeRemer herself had said she endorsed it only to gain “a seat at” the congressional bargaining table if it ever passed.

“Taking over the DOL in this administration is no easy task. Whether she is successful or not will depend on whether she uses her influence to be an effective voice for workers in a sea of Project 2025 appointees attempting to dismantle critical worker protections and priorities,” Shuler added.

Photo Credit: Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer official congressional photo