LABOR OF LOVE

Andy Levin

Bloomfield Township Congressman Andy Levin (D) has a long history – and passion – as a union supporter and activist, having worked as a former AFL-CIO assistant organizing director, organizer for the SEIU, Michigan chief workforce officer under former Governor Jennifer Granholm, and a clean energy business owner before running for the House of Representatives in 2018, where he has been a strong union advocate. His hard work may see rewards with a cabinet post in the new Joe Biden administration as labor secretary. Several – but not all – labor leaders are gung ho over the idea, encouraging the incoming president to take a hard look at the freshman congressman, who handily won re-election of the 9th District this year. While AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka isn’t pushing any one candidate, UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada said she encouraged Levin to seek the position, as he’s from the labor movement and “understands the fight that working people are up against.” “A labor leader should lead the Labor Department,” said American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten. Another mentioned favorite for the position is Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a former union leader who has a close relationship with Biden. Levin said he hasn’t spoken to Biden or anyone in the administration, but he is honored that leaders who he has worked with over the years want him to serve. Levin added he is happy to “serve a term with a Democratic president. It’s just an honor to be discussed and considered by union groups and economists. My life’s work has been about lifting up working people.”