Trade Union Coalition objects to labor secretary nominee

By The Star Staff

Trade Union Coalition spokespersons Jorge Lefevre Tavárez and José Rodríguez Vélez on Sunday opposed the nomination of María del Pilar Vélez Casanova for the position of secretary of the Department of Labor and Human Resources.

They said the coalition, which represents both private and public sector unions, finds it impossible to support her nomination.

Lefevre Tavárez highlighted a troubling dynamic between the executive and legislative branches that has hindered the effectiveness of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón’s cabinet. He said the Puerto Rico Senate, under the leadership of Thomas Rivera Schatz, is rapidly advancing several cabinet appointments, including that of Vélez Casanova, without adequate oversight.

Lefevre Tavárez asserted that the shift suggests that the Senate is compromising its role as a supervisory body by aligning itself with the executive branch. He emphasized that the nomination of the labor secretary is particularly critical, as it should prioritize the interests of the working class.

Rodríguez Vélez noted meanwhile that the coalition has significant concerns regarding the nominee’s ties to labor issues, pointing out a lack of an established history with the working class. He said the coalition has sought discussions with Vélez Casanova to clarify her positions on crucial topics such as labor reform, sub-minimum wage, and the potential dismantling of the Labor Relations Board. Unfortunately, those discussions were scheduled for a date following the Senate’s proposed timeline for approving her appointment.

Rodríguez Vélez concluded by expressing the impossibility of the coalition supporting the appointment, suggesting that the nominee’s ambiguous responses indicate a trend followed by the New Progressive Party government to appoint a functionary within the Labor and Human Resources Department who may favor employer interests.