In a Senate vote delayed by Republicans for over 40 days Representative Hilda Solis (D-CA) was confirmed as Secretary of Labor by a margin of 80 to 17. In the vote 56 Democrats and 24 Republicans voted for confirmation. All 17 votes against were cast by Republicans. Rep. Solis has worked tirelessly to expand job training programs,
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, popularly known as the Stimulus Bill, was signed into law February 17, by President Barack Obama. The final bill contains billions of funds for rail and transit projects, and should lead to the creation of new jobs on Amtrak, commuters, transit agencies, and even freight railroads. President
$20 million of unemployment benefits will be extended to railroad workers now that changes have been added to The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009. The Railroad Retirement Board created the language, and TCU Assistant National Legislative Director Tony Padilla Lobbied members of the conference committee, that provides
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or the economic stimulus package as most have come to know it, passed the Senate on February 10, 2009. This package includes over $838 Billion in relief to the American economy. The House version includes over $819 Billion. The act will now go to conference committee to
In a White House ceremony on January 30, 2009 International President Bob Scardelletti and other union leaders witnessed President Barack Obama sign executive orders reversing three Bush-era anti-worker orders. The series of orders govern the way federal contractors deal with unionized workers. “The inclusion of the labor movement in this administration is a welcome change
The pending Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, center, meets with from left, TCU Assistant Legislative Director Tony Padilla and TCU International Representative Ron Kloos. Assistant National Legislative Director Tony Padilla and International Legislative Representative Ron Kloos hit the ground running January 5, 2009 when members of the 111th Congress convened in Washington, DC. Padilla and Kloos
American Rights at Work has begun a new campaign to show how the Employee Free Choice Act will help everyone. This new goal is to put a face on who needs the right to freely form a union and how helpful that right will be. Many people have spoken up in support and their voices
The inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States on January 20, 2009 sparks the change in government that working Americans sorely need. Many Americans will celebrate this historic event: some will go to Washington D.C. and experience first hand the inauguration events; others will watch from the comfort of their homes or
President-Elect Barack Obama and Vice President-Elect Joe Biden have released their plan to revitalize the economy. This economic crisis will require swift action. President-Elect Obama is working to get each of his cabinet appointments ready to begin as soon as possible in order to face the many challenges the new administration will have. The plan
The AFL-CIO reacted positively to the appointment of Rep. Hilda Solis as President-elect Barack Obama’s Secretary of Labor. In a brief statement, federation President John Sweeney said, “We’re thrilled at the prospect of having Rep. Hilda Solis as our nation’s next labor secretary. We’re confident that she will return to the labor department one of
