Yesterday the U.S. Senate voted 68-29 to confirm (former) Boston Mayor Marty Walsh to be Secretary of Labor. Last night, Mr. Walsh resigned as Mayor of Boston.

The Secretary of Labor oversees a number of federal agencies, including the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Wage and Hour Division.

After he is sworn in this evening, Mr. Walsh will be the first union member in approximately 50 years to be Secretary of Labor. As Mayor of Boston, he was known for being pro-worker but also for gaining the cooperation of employers. Among other priorities, he is expected to push for a $15 minimum wage and shepherd through OSHA the anticipated COVID Emergency Temporary Standard.

For some excellent background on our new Secretary-to-be, you will not want to miss this article by Boston attorneys Ellen Kearns and Laura Moisin.