Asian Americans Advancing Justice Urges Swift Confirmation of Julie Su as U.S. Secretary of Labor

Julie Su is a visionary Asian American leader and a champion for working people.
For Immediate Release
Contact
Michelle Boykins (202) 296-2300, ext. 0144 mboykins@advancingjustice-aajc.org

Washington, D.C. – Today, the national network of independent social justice affiliates Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) is proud to voice strong support for Julie Su as the next U.S. Secretary of Labor. As she prepares for confirmation hearings before the Senate, Su’s exceptional qualifications and record of leadership make her an excellent choice to lead the Department of Labor.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice releases the following statement:

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice strongly supports the confirmation of Julie Su to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Julie Su is ready to lead on day one as U.S. Secretary of Labor. As the current Acting Secretary of Labor, Su is deeply involved in every major initiative of the Department of Labor (DOL). Su has been an indispensable leader within DOL, working across the government for a more inclusive economy. This has included improving labor standards enforcement to protect the most vulnerable workers, and modernizing workforce development programs.

Su provides critical leadership to 16,000 employees and oversees a $14 billion budget. She has close working relationships with key leadership across the federal government and holds the trust of labor unions, worker organizations, and business groups across the country. As the daughter of parents who owned both a dry cleaning and laundromat business as well as a franchise pizza restaurant, she understands there is a lot of opportunity for businesses and employees to collaborate for mutually beneficial solutions.

Su started her long career fighting for worker’s rights as the Litigation Director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), formerly known as Asian Pacific American Legal Center. Su advocated and delivered a victory for Thai garment workers in the El Monte sweatshop case (Bureerong v. Uvawas), which led to landmark changes in our country’s labor laws and protection for victims of human trafficking. She not only represented the victims, but helped them access health care, find housing, and empowered them to tell their stories in court.

As the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Su will have the opportunity to prioritize the interests of American workers. We believe she will use her extensive experience and expertise to promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable access to job opportunities.

Julie Su is a visionary Asian American leader and a champion for working people. Her track record and her commitment to the most underserved in our communities make her an excellent candidate to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Labor. We urge the Senate to confirm her nomination swiftly and without delay.”