The American Trucking Associations (ATA) appears adamant Pres. Joe Biden withdraw Julie Su’s nomination for Labor Secretary.
“Julie is the American dream,” Pres. Biden reportedly said. “She’s committed to making sure that dream is in reach for every American.”
Trucking advocacy groups and owner-operators may disagree with such high praise. That’s because Su was instrumental in pushing through the notorious AB5 law that basically outlawed trucker self-employment in California. Groups such as the California Trucking Association and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association fought the law tooth and nail all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
After being denied an appeal by the high court, groups are still trying last-gasp measures to turn the tide. Unfortunately, the days of owning or leasing a rig and truckers working for themselves are at an end in the Golden State. Many fear Su will bring that same anti-trucker mindset to the federal agency.
After pointed letters were sent to Senate committee members and the White House in March, the trajectory of Su’s appointment doesn’t seem to have changed. In recent weeks, the White House has reportedly orchestrated a full-court press to get Su across the finish line. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients has been working the phones. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm have also been pressing noncommittal Democrats to support the president’s nomination.
Although it appears Su may ultimately ascend on a slim party-line vote, Democrat senators such as Joe Manchin and others have voiced reservations. ATA president Chris Spear doubled down on the advocacy group’s position, indicating she should be replaced with a pro-trucker candidate.
“As we highlighted in a March letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, we have grave concerns over Ms. Su’s role in implementing California’s disastrous AB5, which essentially outlawed this business model for trucking,” Spear reportedly wrote in a second letter.
Su narrowly earned her spot as deputy labor secretary on a 50-47 vote. Her promotion to head the department would likely have a substantial impact on labor law implementation, particularly in the trucking industry. A vote on her appointment was scuttled due to pushback from trucking organizations and unconvinced senators. Spear’s recent letter adds fuel to the fire as a vote comes down to the wire.
Sources:
https://www.joc.com/article/ata-urges-congress-reject-su-labor-chief_20230602.html
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/02/28/president-biden-nominates-julie-su-for-secretary-of-the-department-of-labor/
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/14/biden-julie-su-confirmation-00096809
https://www.ccjdigital.com/regulations/article/15539836/ata-pens-letter-to-senate-leadership-opposing-bidens-dol-pick
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