Machinists Union Calls for Immediate Senate Action on Julie Su Nomination

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Machinists Union Calls for Immediate Senate Action on Julie Su Nomination

28 February 2024

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is urging the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee to quickly confirm Julie Su as Secretary of Labor. Su, who has been serving as Acting Secretary since March 11, 2023, was previously approved by the Senate as Deputy Secretary of Labor on July 13, 2021.

“Julie has a long record of commitment to protecting working Americans and ensuring that workplace laws and regulations are enforced accordingly,” reads the letter from IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Her work as the deputy DOL secretary, working collectively with former DOL Secretary Marty Walsh to ensure this very important federal agency promoted workforce development programs, helped promote good-paying jobs that lead to the Middle Class, and held bad-faith employers accountable.” 

In her role as Deputy Secretary, Su oversaw the Department of Labor’s operations, including managing the workforce, budget, and strategic priorities. Her tenure is noted for driving advancements within the department.

Before her federal service, Su was Secretary for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), where she enforced workplace laws, addressed wage theft, and improved job safety standards. Her leadership saw enhanced enforcement of labor laws in California.

Su’s career has focused on worker and civil rights, recognized by a MacArthur Foundation grant. As California’s labor commissioner, she led efforts against wage theft and for fair labor practices, impacting labor law enforcement.

Su also worked at Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles, where she combined litigation, policy reform, and community engagement to advance rights for marginalized communities.

Recognized for her legal expertise, Su has been listed among California’s “Top 75 Women Litigators” and as one of Harvard Law School’s noteworthy alumni. She has taught at UCLA and Northeastern Law Schools, sharing her knowledge in labor and civil rights.

A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, Su began her career with a Skadden Fellowship, focusing on social justice. Fluent in Mandarin and Spanish, her background enhances her advocacy for the workforce.

In the letter, Machinists Union International President Bryan Bryant framed the Su nomination as part of a larger resurgence of labor momentum in the United States. “We are at a pivotal point in the labor movement,” said Bryant. “There is a growing favorable opinion of labor unions, and we must have an agency with leadership focused on protecting and safeguarding our nation’s workforce for today and our future. That leadership is Julie Su.”

The IAM’s endorsement highlights Su’s qualifications and dedication to worker welfare. The organization supports her swift confirmation, pointing to the positive impact her leadership would have on the labor market in the United States.

+ Read the letter here.

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