WASHINGTON, DC (APRIL 19, 2023) – The Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO recently expressed strong support for Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su’s nomination to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Labor.
In a recent letter to Majority Leader Charles Schumer, UWUA President James Slevin urged Su’s swift confirmation citing her understanding of workers’ perspectives and concerns, her efforts championing equity and community empowerment and her support for registered union apprenticeship programs as a few important qualifications, among many others.
The full text of the letter appears below:
April 14, 2023
Senator Charles Schumer, Majority Leader
United States Senate
322 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Schumer,
The Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) writes today to express our support for the confirmation of Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Labor.
Acting Secretary Su brings deep experience advocating for the working class as throughout her career in government, she has consistently worked across organized labor to understand the full breadth of workers’ perspectives and concerns.
Together with former Secretary Marty Walsh, Acting Secretary Su has been a relentless force for the Labor Department’s mission. During the first two years of this Administration, the Department has championed equity and economic empowerment for communities, worked to revitalize workforce development programs – particularly registered union apprenticeships – and, in so doing, has helped Americans get family and community supporting jobs with a credible path to the middle class.
Acting Secretary Su’s work, both as a private sector civil rights attorney representing vulnerable garment workers subjected to exploitation, and as a public official in California give her a deep perspective and empathy for workers facing profound challenges across the economy every day.
Given this background, we at the UWUA believe she is also highly qualified to address emerging workplace issues, such as automation and artificial intelligence, while continuing the core functions of the Department — combating wage theft, unsafe working conditions and workplace discrimination. Acting Secretary Su has shown a consistent ability over the course of her career to tackle complex employment issues for the workers she serves.
As the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Su has been at the forefront of fighting for worker equality and civil rights in the workplace. Her resumè and accomplishments on behalf of workers speak for themselves – she is the ideal candidate to become the next U.S. Secretary of Labor, and we urge her swift confirmation by the Senate.
Sincerely,
James T. Slevin
National President
Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO
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Chartered in 1945, the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO represents 45,000 active members employed in America’s utility sectors including the electric, gas, water, and related professional and service industries. James Slevin is UWUA’s National President. For more information visit https://uwua.net.