A major development in recent news has been President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of former Oregon Congressmember Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor. With her nomination, workers and employers alike are wondering how this could potentially impact workplaces, unions, and employee rights, especially given her track record. The reality is the precedent she has set seems to serve as a stark contrast to what many expect from Trump’s second administration. Still, it’s important to note that she does not officially hold this office as she will have to wait to be confirmed by the Senate. Understanding who she is and what she has done in her career is crucial to forecasting the potential impact of this decision.
As a legal commentator and media personality, my passion is cutting through the noise and educating the general public on the latest news in employment law, workplace trends, and policies. As we enter a new era under this administration, it is crucial to understand how decisions made by President-elect Trump could influence employment law. Here is what to know about this recent nomination, which was somewhat of a curveball, to say the least.
Who Is Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer?
To understand the significance of the Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor nomination, it’s important to understand who she is and her track record as an elected official and former member of Congress. While Chavez-DeRemer has strong support from unions in her district, she lost re-election as Congresswoman in November.
56 years old, Chavez-DeRemer began her career as a member of the Parks Committee in the city of Happy Valley, Oregon. She eventually joined the City Council, which she would go on to chair. In 2010, she made history by becoming the municipality’s first Latina mayor and held the position until 2018.
Chavez-DeRemer served as a Congresswoman for one term, representing Oregon’s 5th Congressional District,. In fact, she was the first Republican woman elected to Congress from the state of Oregon.
During her term, she established herself as a clear and enthusiastic supporter of workers’ rights and unions. Some key highlights of her time in Congress include:
- One of three Republicans to co-sponsor a Democratic bill known as the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would expand collective bargaining rights and overrule state-level right-to-work laws, which could expand the power unions have and workers’ rights.
- One of few Republicans to support the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, which would expand collective bargaining rights for state and local government workers, which are positions predominantly held by women.
- A co-sponsor of legislation that would protect public-sector workers from having their Social Security benefits docked due to having a government pension.
- An advocate for improvements to the child care system and being one of only five Republicans who responded to The 19th’s questions about the kind of child care policy they’d support, saying she was in favor of expanding a tax credit for employers who offer child care.
Some of these moves were opposed by the GOP, making her nomination intriguing, to say the least. Here is what her history and track record could suggest about the future of labor and employment law if she is confirmed as the Secretary of Labor under the Trump administration.
What Does the Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor Nomination Mean for the Future of Labor and Employment Law?
Because of her track record, former Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination as Secretary of Labor could provide an opening for unions to work with Republicans traditionally opposed to organized labor in the past, which is a stark contrast to the pro-business stance of other Republican candidates.
This nomination is especially surprising considering the proposals in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which some experts expect to tilt the power in the workplace toward employers. A pro-union nomination may give workers more power to negotiate their rights.
During President Biden’s administration, union organizing seemed to thrive with high-profile wins at companies like Starbucks and Amazon, as well as low-profile wins at other workplaces, particularly higher education. A prominent concern with the imminent Trump administration has been that it may be tougher to continue these gains under this administration.
People also think that the administration will reverse moves made by the Biden administration, such as the limitations placed on what employers can say at mandatory meetings with workers with impending election to unionize, a rule that would allow 4 million salaried workers to qualify for overtime pay, and a pending rule that would protect the health and safety of workers exposed to high heat. Some key issues that have been talking points that she may have influence over include:
- Strengthening workers’ rights to organize
- Expanding wage and hour protections
- Strengthening workplace safety and health protections
- Expanding paid leave and family benefits
- supporting employment anti-discrimination protections
- Addressing the gig economy and non-traditional employment through worker classification and platform protections
- Stronger enforcement of labor laws
- Protecting workers whose immigrant status was leveraged to exploit them
This nomination could signal a shift in attitude and law toward workers and unions, which may have a significant impact on workplaces, job protections, and collective bargaining rights in the private and public sectors. Experts from both sides expect a balancing act if confirmed as she strives to protect workers’ rights while promoting economic growth.
Still, just because Rep. Chavez-DeRemer’s past suggests she may be pro-union doesn’t mean the administration will be. Because many of the bargaining rights for public-sector employees are not set at the federal level and are set at the state level, and many private-private sector bargaining rights are set by the NLRB, it is unclear how much influence the Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor nomination will have.
Regardless, as we watch nominations unfold under the Trump administration, this development remains an unexpected turn.
Thought Leader, Media Personality, Professional Speaker, & Legal Commentator on the Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor Nomination
Understanding the potential implications of the recent Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor nomination is imperative for both employees and employers. For both, it is essential to understand how this decision could impact their rights and protections. I am an expert on the nuances of discussing politics in the workplace and all aspects of employment law and am uniquely positioned and qualified to provide expert insight and analysis on all employment law issues. These issues can be complex, so you need a seasoned legal professional to shed light on them. My passion is being a beacon in uncertain times of transition that provides that light.
Employment Law Thought Leader & Professional Speaker on the Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor Nomination, Employment Law Trends, and Breaking Employment Law News
In this transitioning political climate, understanding the implications of Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s Secretary of Labor nomination is crucial for employees and employers alike. I am a former employment and labor law attorney turned mediator, ADR, and conflict resolution specialist who believes it is imperative to stay current with groundbreaking changes to employment law for employees and employers alike. My passion is educating the general public on recent developments in employment law and the workplace trends that impact them as a thought leader and legal commentator. As such, I am uniquely qualified to address the issue of discussing politics in the workplace. My more than 20 years of experience as a media legal analyst and contributor led to my radio show and podcast on Tavis Smiley’s KBLA Talk 1580, “Legal Lens with Angela Reddock.” I also am a regular speaker and blogger on employment law and issues related to the workplace.
Also, learn more about my book – The Workplace Transformed: 7 Crucial Lessons from the Global Pandemic – here – https://angelareddock-wright.com/book/.
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This communication is not legal advice. It is educational only. For legal advice, consult with an experienced employment law attorney in your state or city.