Walsh resigns; Biden nominates Su

Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Marty Walsh, the first of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet secretaries to leave, resigned to become head of the NHL labor union. His resignation was effective starting March 11. Julie Su, currently Deputy Secretary, is now serving as acting labor secretary.

On February 28, the president announced he would nominated Su to be the next Secretary of Labor, which would make her the first Asian American in his Cabinet if she is confirmed. The nomination was sent to the Senate on March 14, 2023.
Whether Su will be confirmed is a real question. Republicans and the business community have already raised concerns about her nomination, and she had faced concerns over her time as California Labor Secretary in her prior confirmation. After believing the Senate Democratic majority would be able to push through Biden’s nominees, that hope has been diminished by the illness of four Democratic Senators.

DOL, HHS launch task force on child labor
On February 27, 2023, the DOL announced a task force with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase information sharing and collaboration to protect children, especially migrant children, from being exploited and forced to work. The DOL noted it had seen a 69% increase in children being employed illegally by companies.

After investigation by The New York Times on migrant children working day and night shifts in dangerous and demanding jobs, the DOL will provide HHS with information on active child labor investigations so HHS can provide better oversight of U.S. sponsors for migrant children.