Lori Chavez-DeRemer, former Republican congresswoman from Oregon, has officially been confirmed as Labor Secretary by a 67-32 Senate vote on Monday evening. This confirmation marks a significant moment for the Department of Labor (DOL), though the direction the agency will take under her leadership remains somewhat uncertain. There are, however, indications that Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure may bring an unusually worker-friendly approach to the department for a Republican administration.

The confirmation vote saw the support of 17 Democrats, while three Republicans voted against her. Given her history of positive relations with unions and past backing for worker-centric policies such as the PRO Act, many expect Chavez-DeRemer to steer the DOL towards a more worker-friendly direction than what’s typically seen under Republican administrations.

Unions Respond Positively

In the wake of Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation, several labor organizations expressed their approval. The Amalgamated Transit Union praised the former congresswoman, calling her “a strong advocate for working people and unions.” Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, was similarly optimistic, stating that Chavez-DeRemer would do “an excellent job” and “protect the working class.”

AFL-CIO, the umbrella organization representing 63 unions and over 15 million workers, took a more cautious stance. Although President Liz Shuler said the union group was “encouraged” by the confirmation, she also reminded that “we remain clear-eyed that she’s joining an administration that’s been openly hostile to working people on many fronts in its first two months.” The union's more tempered tone reflects a wariness of the broader political context Chavez-DeRemer will operate within.

Republican Dissent

Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation, however, was not without its detractors. Republican opponents raised concerns about her past support for labor policies, especially those that promote union membership. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., expressed his disapproval, pointing to her record of “pushing policies that force hardworking Americans into union membership,” which he implied could lead to a continuation of pro-union policies under the Biden administration. Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., had also signaled his opposition earlier, citing Chavez-DeRemer’s support for the PRO Act as an indication that she would bring “more of the same” policies.

Chavez-DeRemer’s Approach

During her confirmation hearing, Chavez-DeRemer sought to moderate her previous stances and provide assurances about her approach to labor policy. She stressed that policymaking should be driven by legislators rather than regulatory agencies. Additionally, she stated that she opposed the National Labor Relations Board’s expanded joint employer rule and indicated that she would work with Congress to protect independent contractors from losing their flexibility under potential rulemaking.

Despite this, Chavez-DeRemer remained firm in her belief that “the American worker deserves to be paid attention to,” signaling that she would still prioritize worker concerns during her tenure, even as she navigates the often complex political landscape.

The Road Ahead

As Chavez-DeRemer settles into her new role, it remains to be seen how the Department of Labor will evolve under her leadership. The department has already taken steps suggesting a pro-worker stance, including filing a notice of appeal against a Texas federal judge’s decision to block the Biden administration’s overtime rule. This move signals that DOL, under Chavez-DeRemer’s guidance, may indeed push forward with policies that benefit American workers, potentially setting a new course for the agency.

Additionally, Chavez-DeRemer will likely work alongside Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, whose confirmation hearing in late February was overshadowed by Elon Musk’s presence and the Department of Government Efficiency’s activities at the agency. Sonderling’s confirmation vote is still pending, and his eventual role will likely impact how labor policies unfold in the coming months.

While many questions remain about the specific direction the Department of Labor will take under Chavez-DeRemer, one thing seems clear: her leadership could mark a shift in how the DOL balances worker protections with the priorities of the business community. Her approach to labor policy may serve as a test case for how a Republican administration can prioritize workers’ rights without alienating business interests.

What’s Next for the Department of Labor?

With Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation now behind her, the focus turns to the actual implementation of labor policies at the federal level. Her decisions on key issues like the PRO Act, the joint employer rule, and independent contractor status will likely define her tenure at the DOL. Her ability to work across party lines will also be crucial, as labor issues remain deeply divisive in American politics.

The coming months will reveal whether Chavez-DeRemer can maintain a delicate balance between pro-business policies and advocating for American workers, which will determine her legacy at the Department of Labor.

Originally reported by Emilie Shumway in Construction Dive.