Senator Sanders calls for labor secretary to champion working families and raise wages

The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions convened on February 19, 2025, to discuss the nomination of Lori M. Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor, with a spotlight on the pressing issues of income inequality and workers' rights.

During the meeting, a powerful statement was made regarding the stark wealth gap in America, highlighting that three individuals—Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos—hold more wealth than the bottom half of the population, approximately 170 million people. This alarming statistic underscores the growing income and wealth inequality, with over 60% of Americans reportedly living paycheck to paycheck.

Senator Bernie Sanders emphasized the urgent need for a labor secretary who will advocate for working families, calling for a significant increase in the federal minimum wage, which currently stands at a mere $7.25 an hour. He argued that this wage is insufficient for any American to live on, stressing the necessity for policies that support workers' rights to unionize and bargain collectively for better wages and conditions.

Furthermore, Sanders called for the repeal of right-to-work laws in 28 states, which he believes undermine workers' rights. He also pointed out the lack of guaranteed paid family and medical leave in the U.S., stating that America is the only major country without such protections. The senator highlighted the gender pay gap, noting that women earn only 75 cents for every dollar earned by men, calling it unacceptable.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions reflect a critical moment for labor rights in America, with the nomination of Chavez-DeRemer seen as a pivotal opportunity to address these systemic issues. The outcome of this nomination could significantly impact the future of labor policies and the well-being of American workers.