The America’s Work Force Union Podcast kicked off our coverage of National Apprenticeship Week by featuring the Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su, who joined the show to discuss the importance of creating pathways to union jobs through Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Su also explained the difference between being the Labor Secretary Acting Secretary and what she could accomplish in her current role.
As a first-generation American, Su saw how difficult it was for her parents to make ends meet before her mother got a union job with the City of Los Angeles. She talked about growing up with immigrant parents and how her childhood shaped her future. Su attributes her parent's journey to why she has made a career fighting for the working class.
Initially confirmed as Deputy Secretary of Labor under then DOL Secretary Marty Walsh in 2021, Su was appointed Acting Labor Secretary when Walsh stepped down in 2023. While she was not confirmed as Labor Secretary, Su said she could operate the department fully because of her initial role as Deputy Secretary. She then talked about assisting with a few notable strikes as head of the DOL.
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, a week dedicated to highlighting apprentices and apprenticeship programs around the country. Su discussed the importance of creating pathways for everyone to become a part of the middle class and said apprenticeship programs are one of the best opportunities to do that. She proudly shared that over 1 million workers have participated in Registered Apprenticeship Programs over the four years under the Biden Administration.
For more from Su and our coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, listen to the show above.