Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

How labor nominee's worker advocacy history informs her work today

Apr 6, 2023
A landmark sweatshop case and immigrant parents helped inspire Julie Su's efforts for vulnerable workers, a 19th reporter says.
Julie Su goes before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on April 20.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Trump tries again with new Labor secretary pick

Feb 16, 2017
President Donald Trump announced that he’s got a new pick for Labor secretary, R. Alexander Acosta. Recall his previous nominee, Andrew Puzder, dropped out after a good deal of backlash and potential looming scandals. Acosta is formerly of the National Labor Relations Board and the Department of Justice, and, most recently, dean of the law […]

Trump orders fast food exec as Labor Secretary

Dec 9, 2016
President-elect Donald Trump continues to fill out his cabinet appointees (though, remember, these candidates have to be approved by the Senate). Yesterday, Trump announced the CEO of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., Andrew Puzder, as his nominee to lead the Labor Department. The appointment would be consistent with recent Trump nominees. Puzder has long been an […]
Andy Puzder departing Trump Tower on Wednesday.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Secretary of Labor: We should raise the minimum wage even if it makes your hamburger more expensive

Apr 8, 2016
In the long run, businesses will do better to pay workers more, says Secretary Thomas Perez.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

Who needs a Labor Secretary anyway?

Mar 18, 2013
President Obama nominated Thomas E. Perez to head the Labor Department. So, what does a Secretary of Labor actually do?