Labor To Open Fire Over Solis Confirmation

Change to Win Statement on GOP Obstruction of Solis Confirmation

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Change to Win executive director Chris Chafe issued the following statement on Rep. Hilda Solis' nomination as U.S. Secretary of Labor.

"A strong Department of Labor is vital to helping American families stay afloat during this severe economic crisis. As our nation hemorrhages millions of jobs -- this morning's announcement indicates that over one million workers have lost their jobs just since Thanksgiving -- America's workers are continuing to be denied a leader that can help restore the economy, rebuild the middle class and renew the American Dream because of the partisan politics of a few.

"The Republican obstruction of the nomination of Hilda Solis as Labor Secretary is a slap in the face to America's hardworking men and women and to the economic recovery our nation so desperately needs. Americans voted for change in historic numbers in November, and today's economic news speaks to the bold actions needed from our nation's leaders. Yet, instead of working together to provide relief, Senate Republicans are offering more of the same divisive politics of the past.


"The seven unions and six million members of Change to Win renew our call urging the Senate to swiftly vote for the confirmation of Hilda Solis as the U.S. Secretary of Labor and help put working people back on the path of prosperity."

About Change to Win

Seven unions and six million workers united in Change to Win to build a new movement of working people equipped to meet the challenges of the global economy and restore the American Dream in the 21st century: a paycheck that can support a family, affordable health care, a secure retirement and dignity on the job. The seven partner unions are: International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Laborers' International Union of North America, Service Employees International Union, UNITE HERE, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, United Farm Workers of America, and United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney Supporting Rep. Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor

February 05, 2009 -- During these difficult economic times – when hundreds of thousands of people are losing their jobs each week – it is crucial that the American people have a strong and dynamic Department of Labor. We have confidence that Congresswoman Hilda Solis is the right person to lead that charge, and we hope a committee vote can be rescheduled soon.

Congresswoman Hilda Solis is eminently qualified for this post, and will be a vigorous advocate for the kinds of programs that our nation is working people need the most.

She will fight to improve skills development and job creation programs, including development of "green collar" jobs. She will work to assure that workers get the pay they have earned and that they work in safe, healthy, and fair workplaces. She is ready to address the retirement security crisis and will work hard to protect every worker from job discrimination, regardless of race, sex, veteran status, or disability.


She understands that working men and women deserve the freedom to choose whether to form a union without employer interference.

We urge the Committee and the full Senate to swiftly confirm Congresswoman Solis as our nation’s next Secretary of Labor and let her dig into the work, which our nation so desperately needs her to do.


For More Information on EFCA please visit our website and blog

http://www.employeefreechoiceactnow.org

http://efcanow.blogspot.com/

http://www.LaborUnionResources.Org

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/06/labor-to-open-fire-over-s_n_164522.html

http://www.SolisForLaborSecretaryNow.org

Tags: Hilda Solis, solis,Dept of Labor Senate,Employee Free Choice Act, EFCA, Card Check, Free Choice Act, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, American Rights at Work, Labor Unions, AFL-CIO, Unite to Win