16 Feb Collective Action of Workers Pushes Andrew Puzder to Withdraw
The withdrawal of Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder is being hailed as a victory for America’s workers. From coast to coast, workers made thousands of calls, attended mass rallies and demonstrations and met with their Senators to expose Puzder’s record of driving down wages, harassment and worker intimidation.
Puzderโs anti-worker views are no secret. He railed against a meaningful increase in the minimum wage, opposed expanding overtime pay and advocated replacing working people with machines. Of his Carlโs Jr. and Hardeeโs restaurants that were investigated for labor law complaints, 60% were found to have violated the law. Most of these complaints were for failure to pay workers minimum wage or overtime.
BCTGM International President David Durkee said the withdraw of Puzder as the Secretary of Labor sends a loud and clear message that America’s workers expect the person chosen to lead the Department of Laborย to uphold and defend the laws protecting theย nation’s workers.ย Respondingย to the news of Puzder withdrawing as the Labor Secretary nominee, Durkee said:
“Fast food CEO Andrew Puzder would have been a disaster for working Americans. Together, we will continue to fight for a Labor Department that upholds the mission of protecting workers and improving working conditions while enforcing our nationโs labor laws.”
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka stated:
“The withdrawal of Andrew Puzderโs nomination is great news for everyone who wants an America where wages rise, benefits are strong and unions are growing. Itโs a reminder of the collective power of working people and a clear message to President Trump that itโs time to change course completely, not double down.
Working people rejected Puzder because he routinely violated labor law, disrespected workers, opposed a living wage and used his position of authority to enrich himself at the expense of working people. We rallied in towns and cities across the country, flooded Senate offices with calls and e-mails and highlighted Puzderโs terrible track record. The American people want a Labor Secretary who will hold employers accountable for paying a fair wage and providing a safe workplace while ensuring our right to a voice on the job. President Trump made a lot of promises on the campaign trail about supporting working people. Itโs time to start turning those promises into action.”