Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su announced that President Biden would be inducted into the Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor

Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su announced that President Biden would be inducted into the Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor. 

“Mr. President you haven’t just spoken about being pro worker,” she said. “You have acted on it every single day.” 

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler began the event at 12:20 PM, calling Frances Perkins an “unsung hero.” The crowded room broke into applause as she described the first female cabinet secretary’s efforts to fight for workers to organize. 

“We have taken massive steps forward these last four years,” Shuler said, crediting Biden and Su. She cited Biden standing with union workers on a picket line and efforts to ban non-competes. 

Shuler introduced Su, saying has turned the DOL into “a true house of labor.” The acting labor secretary received a standing ovation. Su acknowledged the many labor leaders, organizers and pro-labor members of Congress in attendance. 

The president coughed several times as he thanked Su for “the incredible honor” and acknowledged members of his cabinet and members of Congress in attendance. He noted that his wife, Jill Biden, is a longtime union member of the National Education Association. He also recognized the grandson of Frances Perkins, as he recognized her contributions to the labor movement.

The White House shares from earlier:

Participating in a photo line with the President:

Secretary Deb Haaland, Department of the Interior

Acting Secretary Julie Su, Department of Labor

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai

Administrator Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency

Senator Angus King (ME)

Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01)

Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06)

Rep. Shellie Pingree (ME)

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10)