Oregon worker representatives react to former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation hearing
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Former Oregon U.S. Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Trump's nominee for labor secretary. testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Wednesday.
Chavez-DeRemer discussed her past support of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which allows all workers to freely unionize. It's been strongly opposed by several senate republicans.
In the confirmation hearing, Chavez-DeRemer said the bill was "imperfect" and emphasized Congress has to work together on labor laws.
She said, "If confirmed, my job will be to implement President Trump's policy vision, and my guiding principle will be President Trump's guiding principle, ensuring a level playing field for businesses, unions and most importantly, the American worker."
Local worker representatives had mixed reactions. Michael Funke, a Central Oregon union activist, said he doesn't think Chavez-DeRemer can support both President Trump's policies and union members.
Funke said, "I don't think she can serve two masters, so to speak. And I don't see how she's going to be able to help union members, and at the same time, do Donald Trump's bidding."
However, Greg Addington, director of the Oregon Farm Bureau member, supports Chavez-DeRemer, stating, "She is balanced. She understands the needs of businesses. She understands the concern of organized labor. And I don't think that those two things are mutually exclusive."
Meanwhile, Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley both told KTVZ News they will be voting "no" against Chavez-DeRemer's nomination.
