NETWORK Lobby Responds to Puzder Nomination for Labor Secretary

Updated Release: February 15, 2017, 4:00 PM EST
Contact: Ashley Wilson, 202-601-7856

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After hearing that Mr. Puzder would withdraw from consideration as Labor Secretary, Sister Simone Campbell, SSS said:

“Andrew Puzder’s withdrawal from consideration is a big victory for the dignity of work. Thankfully, responsible senators were relentless in uncovering Andrew Puzder’s horrendous record and unsuitability to lead the Department of Labor. While this could have been just a partisan divide, a few courageous Republicans joined Democrats in bipartisan concern rather than give in to the bully tactics of the White House. I applaud the leadership of the Senate and the persistence of the media. However, the fight continues—and we will work to ensure that the next Secretary of Labor honors the dignity of work and workers.”

For Immediate Release: February 15, 2017 
Contact: Ashley Wilson, 202-601-7856

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to President Trump’s nomination of Andrew Puzder for Labor Secretary, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice Executive Director Sister Simone Campbell, SSS issued the following:

“Pope Francis teaches that we must say ‘thou shalt not to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills.’ By nominating Andrew Puzder as Labor Secretary, President Trump fails Pope Francis’s measure.

“To put Mr. Puzder in charge of the Department of Labor would do immeasurable harm to workers in our nation and continue to foster an economy of exclusion. Mr. Puzder claims to value his Catholic faith, but his record as CEO of a fast food empire fails to support that claim. The nominee has vigorously opposed workers’ rights to organize as well as their right to receive salaries sufficient to support their families. In fact, he says he prefers robots. This is not keeping with the cornerstone of Catholic teaching.

“To be fully pro-life is to value workers, support Catholic Social Justice, and prioritize people over profit.

“Mr. Puzder has failed this faith mandate. Naming him Secretary of Labor would be in bad faith for our workers, our nation, and our shared religion. ”

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NETWORK, advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters, educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a more than 40-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org