The controversy centers largely around Chavez-DeRemer's stance on the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. In the 2023-2024 Congress, she was one of just three Republicans to co-sponsor the PRO Act. However, during her confirmation hearing, she appeared to distance herself from some of the bill's provisions, a shift that drew both criticism from labor advocates and cautious approval from business groups. Specifically, she told Sen. Paul, "yes, sir," in response to his question on whether she no longer endorsed any provisions related to the PRO Act. The timing is particularly significant as a bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced the PRO Act on March 5, just days before her confirmation vote.

Industry Stakeholders Respond

The construction industry's response to Chavez-DeRemer's confirmation has highlighted deep divisions over labor policy. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), representing primarily non-union contractors, expressed measured optimism while maintaining firm opposition to her past legislative positions.

"ABC is hopeful that we can find common ground," said Kristen Swearingen, ABC vice president of legislative & political affairs. "All Americans––nonunion and union––deserve a labor secretary and DOL leader who will create the conditions so that every worker and job creator can choose how to achieve their career dreams and prosper in a safe and healthy environment." However, she emphasized ABC remains "vehemently opposed to the PRO Act and all of its components.

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA), representing 3,500 construction firms nationwide, offered strong support. 

"Since her arrival in Washington, Rep. Chavez-DeRemer consistently met with, worked with, and listened to both employers and employees to advocate for reasonable job creation and management policies," said SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger.

SMACNA's Executive Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Stan Kolbe particularly praised her work on Davis-Bacon Act reforms and Registered Apprenticeship programs, noting that her understanding of workforce development rules could be "instrumental to meet and address the skilled workforce shortage crisis."

Labor Movement's Cautious Optimism

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler offered a nuanced response to the confirmation, acknowledging Chavez-DeRemer's pro-labor congressional record while expressing concerns about the broader administration. "While in Congress, Chavez-DeRemer co-sponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, critically important legislation that would give workers a fair shot at joining a union and negotiating a better deal at work," Shuler noted.

However, the AFL-CIO raised specific concerns about departmental operations, urging the new Secretary to "stop the DOGE purge of DOL employees" and address critical understaffing at key agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Mine Safety and Health Administration, and Wage and Hour Division.

A Unique Background and Vision

At her swearing-in ceremony, Chavez-DeRemer emphasized her distinctive perspective: "As a small businesswoman and the daughter of a Teamster, I will act on my experience and work with business and labor to support good-paying jobs, grow our economy, and ensure every American can enjoy a comfortable retirement."

Her background includes over two decades of public service, beginning in 2002 on the Happy Valley Parks Committee in Oregon. She later served on the Happy Valley City Council, became council president, and was elected to two terms as the city's first Latina mayor. Under her leadership, Happy Valley became Oregon's fastest-growing community due to initiatives that strengthened working families and small businesses.

In 2022, she made history again as the first Republican woman and one of the first Latinas elected to Congress from Oregon. During her congressional tenure, she served on key committees including Agriculture; Education and the Workforce; and Transportation and Infrastructure.

First Actions and Key Appointments

In her first days as Labor Secretary, Chavez-DeRemer has moved swiftly to establish her leadership team and outline priorities for the department. On March 12, she issued her first memo to senior staff, directing agency heads to conduct comprehensive budget reviews and identify potential cost-saving measures, aligning with the administration's fiscal priorities.

The new Secretary has assembled a leadership team that combines experience from her congressional office, previous Trump administration veterans, and industry experts. Notable appointments include Jihun Han, her former congressional chief of staff, who will serve as the Department of Labor's chief of staff. Han, who managed her successful 2022 congressional campaign and has extensive experience in state and national politics, represents continuity in Chavez-DeRemer's inner circle.

Key appointments reflect a focus on workforce development and safety oversight:

• Amy Simon, appointed as principal deputy assistant secretary of the Employment and Training Administration, brings previous experience from the first Trump administration and private sector consulting
• Amanda Wood Laihow, named deputy assistant secretary for OSHA, returns to public service after serving as a commissioner on the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
• Jonathan Snare, appointed as deputy solicitor of labor, rejoins the department after serving in various roles between 2003 and 2009, including as acting assistant secretary for OSHA

Early signals suggest Chavez-DeRemer will prioritize expanded apprenticeship programs and workforce development initiatives. During her confirmation hearing, she identified apprenticeships as a key focus area, aligning with President Trump's emphasis on skills-based training and manufacturing job growth.

The department is also expected to take action on child labor enforcement, responding to recent investigative reports highlighting concerns across various industries. This initiative represents an early test of Chavez-DeRemer's ability to balance worker protection priorities with the administration's broader regulatory approach.

Looking Ahead

As Chavez-DeRemer becomes the first confirmed Labor Secretary since Marty Walsh's departure from the Biden administration in early 2023, she faces significant challenges. The Department of Labor under her leadership will be responsible for implementing major legislation including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPs and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, each with important implications for workforce development and labor standards.

President Trump, who nominated her in November 2024, emphasized their shared commitment "to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand Training and Apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our Manufacturing jobs."