Labor Secretary Nominee Withdraws Support for Challenges to States’ Right-to-Work Laws

February 19, 2025 TruthUSA

During her Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, President Donald Trump’s nominee for labor secretary indicated to lawmakers that she has changed her stance on a pro-union legislative measure aimed at challenging states’ right-to-work laws, which she previously supported while serving as a lawmaker in Oregon.

Former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) represented a competitive district that encompasses portions of Portland. While in Congress, she was a co-sponsor of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a comprehensive labor reform initiative designed to facilitate union membership for workers. Although the bill passed the House in 2021, it encountered obstacles in the Senate.

In her testimony presented on February 19 before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Chavez-DeRemer spoke about her prior endorsement of the PRO Act, stating that she had viewed the legislation as a means to advance discussions regarding labor law changes.

Nevertheless, she conceded its shortcomings and asserted that, if confirmed, her primary focus would shift toward enforcing Trump’s labor policies rather than pursuing new legislation.

“I recognize that bill was not perfect, and I also acknowledge that I am no longer representing Oregon as a lawmaker,” she said. “If confirmed, my task will be to implement President Trump’s policy division, and my guiding principle will align with President Trump’s, ensuring a fair playing field for businesses, unions, and, most importantly, American workers.”

Throughout the hearing, senators questioned her regarding the PRO Act’s implications, particularly concerning its effect on right-to-work laws, which protect workers from being compelled to join a union or pay union dues as a precondition for employment. The bill’s challenge to these laws was a significant factor in the intense opposition it faced from Republicans and business organizations, which ultimately led to its defeat.

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) inquired whether she continued to endorse the PRO Act. Chavez-DeRemer clarified that her role as labor secretary would not involve crafting legislation but rather enforcing existing laws, asserting that such decisions lie with Congress.

Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has shown opposition to her nomination, concentrated his inquiries on the PRO Act’s effects on right-to-work states. Paul highlighted that these 26 states experience double the employment growth and five times the manufacturing growth compared to states lacking right-to-work protections.

He referenced statistics indicating that workers in right-to-work states tend to have an average of $3,000 more in disposable income.

Paul characterized the PRO Act’s intention to nullify state right-to-work laws as a “horrendous invasion” of state autonomy and sought clarification from Chavez-DeRemer on her stance.

Chavez-DeRemer reaffirmed her support for states’ rights, stating, “The right to work is a fundamental aspect of labor laws, where states have the right to decide if they wish to become a right-to-work state, and this should be upheld.”

Paul interjected, remarking, “The PRO Act would have overturned that.”

Chavez-DeRemer clarified her earlier position, explaining that her original support for the bill stemmed from her representation of Oregon’s Fifth District and her desire to participate in important discussions. However, she added, “I completely and sincerely support states looking to safeguard their right to work.”

Paul persisted further, asking, “So you no longer endorse the section of the PRO Act that would’ve overridden state right-to-work laws?”

“Yes,” Chavez-DeRemer confirmed.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) queried whether she advocated for an increase in the minimum wage, to which she replied that while she empathized with workers, she felt unable to comment as such decisions are left to Congress.

Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) questioned Chavez-DeRemer about the adequacy of the $7.25 federal minimum wage for living expenses.

“I just want to ask you, do you believe there exists a state in this country where someone can live comfortably on $15,000 a year?” Kim posited, referencing the annual total of the federal minimum wage.

“I can’t definitively say if there is, but I would look to collaborate with Congress,” Chavez-DeRemer replied. “This is fundamentally a congressional matter.”

Kim also pressed her regarding affordable housing, to which Chavez-DeRemer refrained from specifics but reiterated her commitment to collaborating with lawmakers on issues pertinent to American workers.

“I will travel to every state to understand their priorities and communicate that information to the president, as well as work alongside members of Congress,” Chavez-DeRemer stated. “I will diligently and justly enforce the minimum wage laws that you deem appropriate.”

If confirmed, Chavez-DeRemer would oversee the Department of Labor, which manages nearly 16,000 full-time employees and operates with a proposed budget of $13.9 billion for the fiscal year 2025.

This agency plays a critical role in shaping policies related to wages, union rights, workplace safety, and the hiring and firing decisions of employers.

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