It looks as though Donald Trump’s latest attempt to fill a cabinet position with someone reported to be a bully boss has failed.
Tomorrow, Andrew Puzder was due to begin confirmation hearings as nominee for labor secretary. Puzder, who is the CEO of CKE Restaurants, which includes Carl’s Jr. and Hardees, has a poor track record. He opposes legislation to raise the minimum wage or pay overtime to employees. There has been outcry about his corporation’s policies by unions, a history of hiring an undocumented domestic worker in his home, and allegations of domestic abuse (although his ex-wife recently recanted). As New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio recently pointed out, the position of labor secretary should be filled by someone who understands that workers’ rights are good for business.
According to the New York Times, Puzder withdrew his name from nomination Wednesday afternoon when several Republican senators indicated they would not confirm him. Given how Trump has stacked his cabinet with individuals with little regard for workers’ rights, women’s rights or just plain human rights, this could be a positive development. However, the only truly acceptable resolution would be to appoint a labor secretary who would truly represent American workers and offer them hope for a better future.
It’s important for employees to realize that activism and resistance really does work. Keep calling your elective representatives and let them know about the issues that mean the most to you. There is more information on how to become a resistor, activist and defender in the workplace my new book, From Bully to Bull’s-Eye: Move Your Organization Out of the Line of Fire.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Gage Skidmore