WASHINGTON (TNND) — President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, could signify a pivotal change for organized labor and its relationship with the Republican Party, one historically resistant to union interests. Her nomination may provide unions with new avenues for collaboration with the GOP, and aims to strengthen Trump’s appeal with working-class voters who have increasingly shifted from Democratic support over the last few years.
Chavez-DeRemer, who narrowly lost her reelection bid this past month, was noteworthy for being one of only three Republicans to co-sponsor a Democratic measure aimed at enhancing collective bargaining rights and countering state-level right-to-work laws. If she secures confirmation, her responsibilities will encompass rulemaking governing unions, workplace safety standards, and interactions with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). She will also play a significant role in appointing members to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which regulates union organizing.
The choice of Chavez-DeRemer over more conventional pro-business candidates has sparked debate about whether the Republican Party, under Trump’s leadership, might be shifting its stance toward unions and labor laws. Paul Clark, professor of labor and employment relations at Penn State University, noted, “It’s certainly different from the sort of people he appointed at the Labor Department in his first term, and it’s definitely more progressive than many anticipated.”
This development arrives as Trump continues to seek to win over working-class voters and union members through promises to revitalize American manufacturing. His administration has leaned on strategies such as imposing tariffs on foreign imports and advocating for domestic job growth through tax cuts and wage increases. While these tactics did not yield widespread endorsements from unions or capture majorities within union households during the last election, Trump managed to gain traction among rank-and-file members.
When nominating Chavez-DeRemer, Trump stated, “Lori has worked tirelessly with both business and labor to build America’s workforce and support hardworking men and women.” His intention appears to focus on enhancing job training, boosting wages, and improving workplace conditions as part of his broader economic strategy.
Despite Trump's efforts, many unions remain aligned with the Democratic Party, which under President Joe Biden has expanded organizational rights and protections for labor. Still, the Democratic coalition faced fractures during the 2024 elections. Some labor organizations, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the International Association of Fire Fighters, have opted not to endorse either candidate, reflecting growing discontent among union members.
The shifting political dynamics surrounding labor voting patterns are particularly under scrutiny as they may signal larger transformations within the GOP. Historically, labor has been viewed as part of the Democratic base. Yet, as Trump moves to solidify his support among working-class voters, he has convened talks with several union leaders and featured Teamsters President Sean O’Brien at the Republican National Convention.
O’Brien expressed his backing for Chavez-DeRemer, tweeting, “Thank you @realDonaldTrump for putting American workers first by nominating Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer for US Labor Secretary. North America’s strongest union is ready to work with you every step of the way to expand good union jobs and rebuild our nation’s middle class. Let’s get to work.”
While her nomination has drawn enthusiasm from some unions, it has left business groups and conservative lawmakers wary. Concerns linger whether her assuming leadership at the Department of Labor might reflect any real shift from policies seen during Trump's first term, which drew criticism for being detrimental to labor rights.
“Trump’s nominees tend to embody his administration’s vision,” remarked analysts who cautiously approach Chavez-DeRemer's ability to drive meaningful policy changes. “Her background might resonate more with labor, but it’s still unclear how much influence she’ll have if the overall agenda remains the same.”
Significantly, who Trump appoints to lead the NLRB will provide important insights about the overarching direction of labor relations under his administration. It’s expected he will favor appointees who could steer the board toward pro-business outcomes, particularly during union organization disputes.
Meanwhile, there are rising fears among labor advocates about potential attacks on federal workers’ job protections under the incoming administration, as well as limits on collective bargaining rights for public employees. Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association—representing America’s largest union—has voiced concerns over Chavez-DeRemer’s record, stating it starkly opposes Trump’s historical anti-worker policies.
Pringle remarked, “Educators and working families across the nation will be watching Lori Chavez-DeRemer as she moves through the confirmation process.” She called for Chavez-DeRemer to pledge her commitment to workers and their rights, rather than showing blind loyalty to what Pringle described as Trump’s damaging Project 2025 agenda.
Chavez-DeRemer’s previous support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act has also incurred skepticism from business and right-to-work advocates. Groups like the National Right to Work Committee have argued against her candidacy, framing the PRO Act as detrimental and potentially damaging to businesses and job creation.
“A Secretary of Labor should work to protect both workers’ and employers’ rights and promote economic growth,” said Kristen Swearingen, chair of Coalition for Democratic Workplace, expressing her concerns about Chavez-DeRemer’s track record. “Her support of the PRO Act raises legitimate questions about her potential nomination.”
This moment offers both uncertainty and opportunity as labor dynamics shift within the political sphere. Democrats historically counted on strong organized labor support, but as working-class sentiments evolve—particularly favoring Trump—it remains to be seen how union relations will develop and respond to this changing political climate.
