![]() He said Solis and business do agree on some things, like the value of temporary-worker programs. ![]() After news of Solis broke yesterday, Randy Johnson of the Chamber read up on her. ![]() But publicly, they said they weren't interested. They included former Michigan Congressman David Bonier and current Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. The president-elect was looking at better-known names. But labor sources say she was not a top choice for this post. Obama's agenda, including an emphasis on green jobs. JOHNSON: Well, I had not, and I think among those of us who do traditional employment issues, she's relatively unknown. When you first heard this name, had you ever heard of her before? Chamber of Commerce): Well, we were surprised. LANGFITT: So far, the business community is responding to the selection of Solis with caution, and something else. Having a strong advocate for an understanding of the issues of immigrants as well will be a dramatic improvement for our country. BURGER: And I think having a Latino woman is terrific. LANGFITT: Burger also says Solis will bring a new perspective to the nation's rapidly changing workforce. ANNA BURGER (International Secretary-Treasurer, Service Employees International Union): I remember being out in the streets with her for Justice for Janitors, when, you know, we were trying to organize and fight for the janitors so that they could have a decent life in Southern California. She says Solis is dedicated to issues that matter to workers, like better wages and healthcare. Anna Burger is secretary treasurer of the Service Employees International Union. Now, after eight years in the political wilderness, they could soon have a friend there. LANGFITT: Unions have often viewed the Bush Labor Department as the enemy. Representative HILDA SOLIS (Democrat, California): When union people get paid good wages that money stays in the community it helps to provide a vibrant economy it helps to, also, even send their children to college. Organized labor runs in the veins of Hilda Solis. ![]() NPR's Frank Langfitt reports.įRANK LANGFITT: Her father came from Mexico and was a shop steward with the Teamsters her mother, from Nicaragua, and a member of the United Rubber Workers. Today, President-elect Barack Obama is expected to name Hilda Solis, a five-time Democratic member of Congress from California, as his next Labor secretary. So, the auto bailout moves the problem to the new administration that takes over January 20th, and that new administration is still taking shape. ![]()
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