YWCA Department of Labor Statement

YWCA USA is committed to women's empowerment and economic advancement. As such, we believe that the leader of the Department of Labor (DOL) must be an egalitarian and seasoned advocate for workers’ rights. Andrew Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, opposes the minimum wage, an anti-worker perspective that is not representative of the majority of Americans. He is also critical of recently-enacted overtime pay regulations. Moreover, his company, Carl’s Jr., is well-known for using advertisements that objectify women. Many of the women we serve are disproportionately impacted by unfair workplace policies, including a low minimum wage and unconscious bias like that fostered by Puzder’s ads. Given the critical importance of this cabinet position for millions of women and families across the nation, we call on President-elect Trump to appoint a leader who will be a champion for working people.