President Joe Biden Nominates Julie Su as First Asian American Labor Secretary, Signaling Commitment to Working People

The White House has confirmed that President Joe Biden will nominate Julie Su to serve as the next labor secretary, making her the first Asian American to serve in a secretary-level role in Biden’s Cabinet.

Su, a civil rights attorney and former head of California’s labor department, has served as the deputy labor secretary since 2021. She was central to negotiations between labor and freight rail companies late last year, working to avert an economically debilitating strike.

In a statement, Biden called Su “a tested and experienced leader, who will continue to build a stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive economy that provides Americans a fair return for their work and an equal chance to get ahead.”

Su will replace Marty Walsh, who is departing the administration next month for a job atop the National Hockey League Players Association.

The nomination of Su is expected to be welcomed by labor groups and advocates for racial justice, who have long called for a more diverse Cabinet.

Biden has asked the Senate to take up Su’s nomination “as soon as possible.” If confirmed, Su will be the first Asian American to serve as labor secretary.

The nomination of Su comes at a time when the labor movement is facing a number of challenges, including a pandemic-induced economic crisis and a push by the Biden administration to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Su’s nomination is seen as a sign that Biden is serious about addressing the needs of working people and creating an economy that works for everyone.