Nomination of Acosta for Secretary of Labor an improvement

Vetting needed, but new nominee appears friendlier to workers

After the failed nomination of Andrew Puzder for Secretary of Labor, the Trump administration put forward Alexander Acosta, dean of the Florida International University College of Law and former assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division under President George W. Bush. Policy Matters Ohio sees this move as a step in the right direction for working people.

“Rigorous vetting is still needed but unlike Pudzer, Acosta does not appear to be a nominee bent on dismantling the institution he is set to lead,” said Hannah Halbert, researcher with Policy Matters Ohio. “The Department of Labor must be dedicated to welfare and safety of wage-earners. Not their bosses.”

Ohioans value worker rights. The state overwhelmingly voted down laws that sought to restrict collective bargaining and voted in support of a state constitutional amendment that increased and indexed the minimum wage. As hearings begin, working people of Ohio will want to know where Acosta stands on these issues. Policy Matters will look for evidence that Acosta will work for safe and healthy workplaces, more and better jobs, and a better life for working people in Ohio and the United States.