GP Kelly represents the IAFF at labor secretary’s swearing-in ceremony  

Last night, Lori Chavez-DeRemer was sworn in as the 30th U.S. Secretary of Labor during an event held at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. General President Edward Kelly attended the ceremony, joining members of Congress and other labor leaders.  

The swearing-in was held just hours after Chavez-DeRemer earned the support of 67 senators during her confirmation vote.   

“The Department of Labor needs a strong and independent voice at the helm — someone who knows how to bring employers and workers together. With Secretary Chavez-DeRemer now in office, that’s exactly what we’ve got,” said Kelly. “The IAFF was proud to have joined with others to support her nomination, and we look forward to working with her to advance the health and safety of fire fighters across the country.”   

In her remarks at the ceremony, the former Oregon congresswoman and small-town mayor laid out her vision for the department.   

“I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to continue serving my country, and I’ll work tirelessly to help President Trump put the American Worker First. This administration has a clear mandate to renew the American Dream for hardworking men and women across the country,” said Chavez-DeRemer.   

“As a small businesswoman and the daughter of a Teamster, I will act on my experience and work with business and labor to support good-paying jobs, grow our economy, and ensure every American can enjoy a comfortable retirement.”  

Earlier today, during Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s first day in office, she held a meeting with General President Kelly. The two discussed initiatives important to the IAFF, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed Emergency Response Standard (ERS) and other issues critical to our membership.

It was the secretary’s first meeting with a labor leader.