Elections
Women Leading the Labor Movement: Lori Chavez-DeRemer
Women Leading the Labor Movement: Lori Chavez-DeRemer
Meet Lori Chavez-DeRemer
Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s public service journey began on the Happy Valley, Oregon Parks Committee. She went on to serve her community as a city council member and later as mayor. In 2022, she was elected to represent Oregon’s 5th Congressional District. During her time in Congress, Chavez-DeRemer served on the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure; Education and the Workforce; and Agriculture. She was also a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. Known as a moderate Republican, Chavez-DeRemer stood out as one of only three House Republicans to support the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
The PRO Act
Over two dozen states have enacted “Right to Work” laws, which allow workers to opt out of paying union dues while still benefiting from union-negotiated wages and benefits. The PRO Act seeks to address this issue by enabling unions to collect dues from all workers covered under a union contract, ensuring equitable funding for collective bargaining and contract administration.
The PRO Act includes several provisions aimed at strengthening workers’ rights:
- Employer Accountability: The Act introduces penalties for employer interference in union certification elections, such as mandatory company-sponsored anti-union meetings. It would also allow employees to cast ballots off company grounds.
- Corporate Penalties: Companies and their executives could face substantial penalties for labor violations, including personal liability for directors and officers. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) would be authorized to fine employers up to $50,000 per violation.
- Worker Protections: Employees subjected to retaliation would be eligible for back pay, job reinstatement, and additional damages. Newly organized workplaces unable to agree on a first contract could seek arbitration or mediation to resolve disputes.
- Immigrant Worker Protections: The PRO Act prevents employers from using immigration status against employees and expands union rights to some independent contractors, potentially enabling gig workers from companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash to organize.
Secretary of Labor Nomination and Opposition
President-Elect Trump has nominated Chavez-DeRemer as his Secretary of Labor. This nomination comes after President Biden’s last nominee, Julie Su, failed to secure confirmation. Like Su, Chavez-DeRemer is expected to face significant opposition during her confirmation hearings. Her support for the PRO Act has already drawn criticism from conservative groups such as the Empire Center for Public Policy and Americans for Tax Reform. Senate confirmation hearings have not yet been scheduled, but her nomination has sparked heated debate.