On the Nomination of Julie Su for U.S. Labor Secretary

In response to the nomination of Julie Su for U.S. Labor Secretary, the National Employment Law Project, a leading advocacy organization with the mission to build a just and inclusive economy where all workers have expansive rights and thrive in good jobs, released the following statement from Executive Director Rebecca Dixon:

“NELP commends President Biden for nominating Julie Su to be the next Secretary of Labor. Deputy Secretary Su has a proven track record of successfully advancing racial and economic justice for workers across the country, and we can think of no better candidate for this important job.

Julie Su has a proven track record of advancing racial and economic justice for workers across the country. We can think of no better candidate for this important job.

“Throughout her career, Deputy Secretary Su has combined deep fidelity to the law with passionate advocacy on behalf of workers, particularly those from marginalized communities. In her decades of experience as a civil rights attorney, followed by her work at the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency culminating in her role as its top leader, Su has shown her commitment to labor, workforce, and employment issues. During her time in California, she was particularly strong on enforcement around minimum wage and occupational safety standards, combatting wage theft, and arbitrating public sector contract disputes – skills we need at the national level.

“Given her current role as the de facto chief operating officer for the Department of Labor, Su will be able to hit the ground running when confirmed as Secretary of Labor. She deeply understands the DOL, how it works, and what’s in progress. With Su at the helm, the Department of Labor won’t miss a beat.

“There are several key issue areas that the next Secretary of Labor will have to begin to address starting on day one. Specifically, the next Secretary of Labor will need to take on the rampant misclassification of workers as independent contractors, advance meaningful overtime protections, and continue to push for unemployment insurance reform.

“In addition, the Department of Labor will need to keep up with a rapidly developing landscape, including AI and surveillance in the workplace, the growing trend of gig-like work in an attempt to curtail worker benefits and power, and the need to balance the demand for flexibility with vigorous protections of employee rights. These challenges need to be met head on, and no one is better equipped to lead this work than Deputy Secretary Su.

“We look forward to working with the Biden Administration to ensure that Deputy Secretary Su is confirmed as our next Secretary of Labor. We look forward to working with her and all of DOL as we strive to make a just and inclusive economy a reality for all workers in the United States.”

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