Joined by Fast Food Workers and Advocates, Sen. Murray Slams President Trump's Labor Pick as "Uniquely Unqualified"

Statement

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate labor committee, today held a press conference in the U.S. Capitol with fast food workers and advocates to highlight the many disqualifying aspects of the record of Andrew Puzder, President Trump's nominee for U.S. Secretary of Labor. Puzder's history of squeezing workers as the CEO of CKE Restaurants and his steady opposition to policies that would help workers, such as increasing the minimum wage and expanding overtime pay, raise serious questions about his ability to lead the U.S. Department of Labor.

"Puzder has spoken out against raising the minimum wage and against efforts to help more workers get overtime pay. He thinks robots would be more convenient for employers than actual workers, because robots never get sick or need a lunch break… and Mr. Puzder's vocal defense of his deeply offensive ads--and so much more about his background--raise serious questions in my mind about his ability to represent the rights of women in the workplace, as any Secretary of Labor absolutely must be able to do," said Senator Murray.

Last month, Senators Murray and Warren released a report documenting worker mistreatment at chain restaurants operated by CKE, and hosted a Senate forum where workers shared stories of lost wages, overtime violations, and poor working conditions.

"Workers like Angel have told absolutely horrific stories of lost wages, overtime violations, harassment, and more at chain restaurants Puzder oversaw at CKE--the kinds of issues that if confirmed, he'll be responsible for investigating…all of this adds up to a nominee for Secretary of Labor who is uniquely unqualified."

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