It’s been nearly half a century since a union member has led the Department of Labor, but that could change soon with President-elect Joe Biden’s selection of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh to serve as his Secretary of Labor.
Walsh is a second-generation member of Laborers’ Local Union 223 with working-class roots. He became the head of the Boston Metropolitan Building Trades Council before was elected Mayor of Boston in 2013.
As Labor Secretary, Walsh, who still needs to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, would oversee the enforcement and administration of federal employment laws covering more than 150 million workers and 10 million workplaces. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America said in a statement that Mayor Walsh will be a strong protector of workers and will effectively enforce labor laws.
“It’s been decades since a union member was appointed to run the Labor Department and we’re pleased that such a talented and experienced union brother has been chosen to take on this responsibility in the Biden Administration,” said the UBC. “Choosing Marty Walsh to lead the Labor Department sends a clear signal to working men and women that this administration will make sure our jobsites are safe, our pay is fair and our hard work is respected.” 2021 is going to be a banner year for Labor!
