President Biden recently made headlines by designating a new national monument in honor of Frances Perkins, the first female U.S. Secretary of Labor. This significant move took place at the Department of Labor, where Biden acknowledged Perkins’ pivotal role in establishing critical labor protections such as the minimum wage and the 40-hour workweek.
The event was not only a recognition of Perkins but also a celebration of acting Secretary of Labor, Julie Su. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler praised Su’s leadership, asserting that she has effectively championed workers’ rights and represented their interests with tenacity. “She has transformed the Department of Labor into a true house of labor,” Shuler remarked.
Despite her impactful contributions, Su’s tenure as acting secretary has not been formally recognized with a confirmation vote, a situation that her supporters believe is long overdue. Shuler emphasized that Su’s achievements, much like those of Perkins, have often gone unappreciated.
Biden’s allies, including Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, are actively pushing for Su’s confirmation before the end of Biden’s administration. Duckworth expressed her determination, stating that confirming Su would finally acknowledge her exemplary work as Labor Secretary.
Challenges of Confirmation
Although confirmed as deputy secretary along party lines in 2021, Su has faced resistance in her bid for full confirmation. Some senators who previously supported her have since shifted their stance, particularly following the departure of former Secretary Marty Walsh.
Republican leaders have highlighted the delay in her confirmation, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell noting Su’s prolonged period as an acting secretary, which has set an unprecedented record. Despite this, Su has remained focused on her responsibilities, leading the department through various labor advocacy efforts.
Under Su’s guidance, the Labor Department has made significant strides, including recovering over $1 billion for workers suffering from wage theft and implementing new regulations to protect vulnerable labor sectors. Upcoming regulations aimed at enhancing safety for construction workers are also set to be enforced.
Pressure from Opponents
Critics have used Su’s lack of confirmation as a platform for their grievances. Some Republican representatives have branded her as an “illegitimate secretary” and have publicly called for her resignation.
Su’s supporters, however, have mobilized efforts to secure her confirmation. Legislators like Duckworth are working tirelessly to garner the necessary votes amid a tight timeline. As the current Senate session approaches its end, concerns about whether Su’s confirmation vote will be scheduled loom large.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Su remains committed to vital initiatives at the Labor Department. Notably, a proposed federal regulation addressing excessive heat in workplaces is currently open for public comment, a matter Su underscores as essential for worker safety.
As political narratives shift, Su is hopeful that the labor initiatives enacted during her tenure will endure under any incoming administration. “We are focused on creating a foundation that benefits working people,” she affirmed, mindful of the challenges that could arise under different leadership.
