Alex Acosta confirmed as secretary of labor

May 4th, 2017 by Dakota Software Staff Industry News

The Department of Labor now has a permanent leader in place, following a Senate vote that took place in late April. Approval from the Senate was the last step in the process to confirm Alex Acosta, a lawyer with experience working for the federal government in the areas of labor relations and civil rights. Prior to his selection by the administration of President Donald Trump, Acosta served as dean of the Florida International University College of Law.

A second choice for the administration

Acosta's past experience working as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board, a position he was appointed to by former President George W. Bush during that president's first term, has the most in common with his current role. Acosta also filled the role of Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice's civil rights division shortly after he stopped working for the NLRB. He spent the time since as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida and as the dean of the college of law at FIU.

Accomplished in a variety of roles within the legal profession and with past experience working in high-profile federal government roles, Acosta was the second selection made to fill the DOL's top position. Andy Puzder, the former CEO of intertwined fast-food chains Hardee's and Carl's Jr., was initially nominated for the position but withdrew from consideration after it appeared he was unlikely to win a vote to confirm his nomination. Safety.BLR reported a variety of business and personal concerns led to the lack of support for Puzder.

The Washington Post highlighted the need for Acosta to get to work quickly, as the delay between Trump's election and his nomination means a variety of considerations at the DOL require his guidance. The proposed increase to the income threshold for overtime pay is one such issue, as is the more general Trump administration push for a reduction in the overall number of federal government rules, including health and safety regulations.

Reaction to the pick was mixed among labor groups and advocates, although it was significantly more positive than the feelings expressed following Puzder's nomination. Cautious optimism was noted among major labor organizations such as the AFL-CIO, with a general sentiment expressed that Acosta is a more worker-friendly selection than Puzder.

A major next step for the DOL and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the selection of a chief administrator for OSHA, a decision that could happen quickly.