Federal labor policy affecting construction wages, workplace safety and skilled-trades training now falls under permanent leadership at the U.S. Department of Labor, following the Senate's confirmation of Keith Sonderling as secretary. The appointment gives the department a permanent secretary as contractors continue to navigate federal requirements tied to public construction and workforce development.
The Senate confirmed Sonderling on Sept. 30 in a 47-41 vote. President Donald Trump nominated him June 29 after Chavez-DeRemer left the position. Sonderling had served as acting secretary since April and previously became deputy secretary of labor in March 2025.
Before joining the department in his current leadership roles, Sonderling served as an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission commissioner from 2020 through 2024. He also held several Labor Department positions during the first Trump administration.
The department's responsibilities include administration and enforcement of federal wage and hour requirements, workplace safety rules, prevailing-wage provisions, apprenticeship policy and workforce programs. Those responsibilities can affect contractors working on federally funded or regulated projects.
Workforce development has been a significant focus during Sonderling's tenure at the department. Registered apprenticeship programs and pathways into skilled trades are among the areas relevant to construction employers seeking qualified workers.
During a June visit to Prime Sheet Metal in Warminster, Pennsylvania, Sonderling met with mechanical and sheet metal industry representatives to discuss apprenticeship programs, veteran recruitment, employee retention and technology adoption. Participants also addressed labor demand associated with pharmaceutical facilities, data centers, infrastructure and public works.
The discussions highlighted the role of joint labor-management apprenticeship programs in preparing workers for skilled construction occupations. Safety and collaboration between government and industry were also among the topics addressed.
For mechanical and sheet metal contractors, Labor Department decisions can influence prevailing-wage compliance, apprenticeship requirements, workplace safety obligations and workforce planning. Permanent leadership at the department provides a clearer administrative structure as contractors monitor federal labor policy and regulatory developments.
The department's approach to registered apprenticeships and skilled-trades workforce programs will also remain relevant to contractors managing labor shortages and training requirements across major construction markets.
Source: SMACNA.
