Trump's Pick for Labor Secretary Doesn't Think Workers Should Get Breaks
Trump's Pick for Labor Secretary Doesn't Think Workers Should Get Breaks
But this isn't some exotic new political creed introduced by Trump. It's warmed-over Republicanism.
Tom Philpott Dec. 28, 2016 1:45 PM
The US Department of Labor exists to "foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers," as well as to "improve working conditions" and "assure work-related benefits and rights." Andrew Puzder, Donald Trump's choice to lead the department, has not exactly embodied those values in his career as CEO of CKE Restaurants, parent company of fast-food chains Hardee's and Carl's Jr. He's a staunch and vocal opponent of minimum-wage hikes, and his company has had to pay out paid out millions to settle overtime claims (more here).
And now, thanks to OC Weekly's Gabriel San Roman, we know what Puzder thinks of worker breaks. Spoiler: not much.
San Roman got to digging into the archives of Cal State Fullerton's Center for Oral and Public History, where he found a 2009 interview (not available online) with Puzder. According to San Roman, Puzder "complained about regulations and overtime laws, claiming workers are overprotected." San Roman adds, quoting from the interview:
"Have you ever been to a fast food restaurant and the employees are sitting and you're wondering, 'Why are they sitting?'" Puzder asked. "They are on what is called a mandatory break (emphasis his)." He shared a laugh with the interviewer, saying the so-called nanny state is why Carl's Jr. doesn't open up any new restaurants in California anymore.
More:
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/12/our-new-labor-overlord-thinks-workers-shouldnt-get-breaks
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