On March 23, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh was sworn in as secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor by Vice President Kamala Harris, becoming the first union member to serve in the role of secretary in nearly half a century. The Senate confirmed Walsh to serve as secretary in a 68-29 vote on March 22.

“ABC’s member contractors know how to build and rebuild and will be essential to achieving the Biden administration’s goal to ‘Build Back Better,’” ABC said in a statement after the confirmation. “As we collaborate with DOL to create environments for our workforce that prioritize safety and total human health, we believe our core values of fair and open competition, innovation and entrepreneurship can play a meaningful role in the administration’s efforts.

“ABC’s aim will continue to be creating value for the taxpayer through employee and employer choice, because we believe workers and job creators should have the freedom to choose how to achieve their career dreams in union or nonunion environments and the opportunity to win and deliver work based on merit.

“Secretary Walsh has a construction background and knows our industry, so ABC urges him to work with us to create conditions that benefit the entire industry. By encouraging the participation of both union and open shop contractors, we can harness the strength and talent of our full construction industry to rebuild America and the results will be more inclusive and ultimately more successful. I believe that as a public servant, Secretary Walsh understands the practical impact of federal regulations on state and local stakeholders. We look forward to working with him to create the landscape so that each worker and job creator can prosper in a safe and healthy environment.”

ABC also issued statements on Secretary Walsh’s nomination and the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee vote.

ABC looks to meet with Secretary Walsh to discuss delivering a well-qualified workforce and creating an environment that focuses on total human health as well as sharing details about the work of our organization and its members.

Read Secretary Walsh’s statement on his confirmation. 

Additional information about Secretary Walsh can be found in this biography from the U.S. Department of Labor.