Senate confirms Marty Walsh as Labor Secretary

Senate confirms Marty Walsh as Labor Secretary

by

The vote went from 68 to 29.

Walsh joined Laborers’ Union Local 223 at age 21. In 2011, he had risen to lead the Boston Trades Council, a group representing unions of blacksmiths and electricians, among others. He’s been mayor since 2014.

At his confirmation hearing, Walsh spoke of crucial moments in his life – from getting cancer as a child, to following in the footsteps of his father’s union work and recovering from addiction – that reported how he views the work of the Department of Labor.

“Protection of workers, equal access to good jobs, right to join a union, continuing education and professional training, access to mental health and treatment for substance use. These policies are not just for me, I have lived them, ”said Walsh. “Millions of American families now need them. I have spent my entire career at different levels fighting for them.”

His appointment may expose some flaws in the labor movement, particularly on issues of climate policy and diversity, which were largely overlooked during Biden’s campaign to defeat Trump.

Walsh survived California Secretary of Labor Julie Su, who was believed to be among the finalists, and Deputy Andy Levin of Michigan, who was supported by major unions like Communications Workers of America and United Auto Workers. Su would be among the highest ranking Asian-American government officials if chosen.

But Walsh’s confirmation was a victory for AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who brought together his federation of 56 unions to support Boston’s mayor shortly after Biden won the election in November.

“It is difficult to overstate the importance of this moment,” said Trumka. “For four years, working families have lived with a Department of Labor dedicated to serving a handful of elite interests. Now, the power to ensure security and equality in our workplaces has been transferred from a relentless corporate lawyer to a proud brother of the union. “

Of the 23 cabinet-level positions that require consideration by the Senate, 21 have already been confirmed.
Last week, the Senate voted to confirm Deb Haaland as secretary of the interior – the first secretary of the American Indian Cabinet in the history of the United States – Isabel Guzman to lead the Small Business Administration and Xavier Becerra to be secretary of Health and Human Services , the first Latin to occupy the position.

CNN’s Gregory Krieg, Dan Merica and Sara Ashley O’Brien contributed to this report.

.Source