DOL Will Be Restored and Re-Energized as Powerful Guardian of Workers

Washington, D.C. (March 22, 2021) – Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following statement today:

The confirmation of Marty Walsh as U.S. Secretary of Labor heralds a new day for the working men and women of our nation.

 

Secretary Walsh is a dues-paying, card-carrying, second-generation member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America whose dedication and devotion to the cause, the purpose, and the mission of the Labor Movement is unwavering. I am confident that he will restore and re-energize the Department of Labor’s role as a powerful guardian of workers, and strong and effective enforcer of labor laws. He will fight for all working people, regardless of where they come from, what language they speak, or what kind of work they do. He will work to bring skills training and a stronger voice on the job to millions of American workers who too often have been exploited or disregarded.

 

Secretary Walsh is an inspirational embodiment of the American Dream: he worked his way up from the field to become a leader of LIUNA Local 223, the head of the Boston Metropolitan Building Trades Council, Mayor of Boston, and now, Labor Secretary. As a labor leader, Marty Walsh helped thousands of workers build strong, middle-class lives for themselves and their families. As mayor, he proudly wore his union affiliation on his sleeve, never forgetting where he came from. As Labor Secretary, he will continue to fight for an economy that rewards work and working people.

 

Secretary Walsh is also committed to labor-management cooperation. Marty understands that labor and management are co-dependent; our members rely on our signatory contractors to create good jobs and economic opportunity, and our signatory contractors rely on our safe, well-trained members to perform quality work on time and on budget. Marty knows that labor and management cannot succeed without each other, and that true labor-management cooperation moves our country and our economy forward.

 

On behalf of the half-million members of LIUNA, I can say we are awed and inspired that the top labor post in our great country is occupied by one of our own. We congratulate Secretary Walsh on his confirmation and look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.

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The half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build the United States and Canada.