USW Supports Buttigieg for U.S. Secretary of Transportation

January 21, 2021

On behalf of the members of the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW), I write to you in support of the nomination of Pete Buttigieg to the position of Secretary of Transportation.

As our nation’s infrastructure needs grow, and we look toward the transportation needs of tomorrow, our country needs a Transportation Secretary that will uphold strong domestic procurement and labor standards. The USW believes Secretary nominee Buttigieg will embody the values of America’s working people in this role.

President Biden, when nominating Buttigieg, stated “We selected Pete for transportation because the department is at the intersection of some of our most ambitious plans to build back better.” The President has committed to increase the federal procurement of American made products— many proudly made by Steelworkers— and we expect Buttigieg to live up to that commitment in the Department of Transportation.

During the January 21st confirmation hearing in the Senate Commerce Committee, Buttigieg stated “I believe we have a real chance to deliver for the American people. We need to build our economy back better than ever, and the Department of Transportation can play a central role in this by implementing President Biden’s infrastructure vision by creating millions of good paying jobs, revitalizing communities that have been left behind.” It is this example of vision that gives the USW resolve in recommending his confirmation.

The members of the USW are poised and ready to get to work to “Build Back Better” and to ensure our infrastructure materials are made in America. We urge you to vote yes on confirming Pete Buttigieg as the next Secretary of Transportation.