Union leaders were front and center in the Biden transition team. Now, they are being nominated for positions in and around the new government.
United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway explained how passing an infrastructure bill needs to be a priority and the appointment of a labor leader to a position in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.
OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary
Former United Steelworkers Department of Health, Safety and Environment Assistant Director and Principal Investigator Jim Frederick has been nominated as the deputy assistant secretary at OSHA.
Conway said he is proud of Frederick and applauded his work ethic. Frederick is someone with the qualifying credentials and has a deep understanding of the labor community and importance of workplace safety.
The need for an infrastructure bill
Conway said the USW would love to see an infrastructure bill get passed now that Democrats control the White House, House of Representatives and the Senate.
He lamented our current infrastructure, saying that it is so outdated that some of America still has wooden pipes. Similarly, he said many of our piping systems are so far into disrepair that we are losing an unthinkable amount of potable water.
Finally, Conway said an infrastructure bill will get Americans back on their feet. The jobs that will be created will pay a prevailing wage, afford benefits and allow people to return to a more financially comfortable life.