President-elect Donald Trump’s recent nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer as labor secretary has sparked controversy due to her perceived lack of qualifications. However, Trump seems to be attempting to balance this decision by nominating Keith Sonderling as deputy labor secretary, a move that has garnered positive reactions from the business community.
Sonderling, a former management-side labor attorney, has a wealth of experience in various government positions, including serving as a commissioner at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission during the Biden administration and as deputy administrator of the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division during the Trump administration. With his background, Sonderling is well-equipped to handle the day-to-day activities of the Labor Department, which oversees a large workforce and budget.
Known for his hands-on approach, Sonderling has a track record of providing clear guidance on labor issues, including traditional matters like wage and hour laws and more cutting-edge topics such as the use of AI in the workplace. During his tenure as deputy administrator, the Wage and Hour Division issued numerous opinion letters to provide clarity to businesses on compliance with labor laws, a move that was appreciated by many in the business community.
One notable stance Sonderling took was in support of the gig economy, as evidenced by his authorship of a 2019 opinion letter stating that workers in virtual marketplace platforms were independent contractors, not traditional employees. This decision allowed app-based employers to continue operating without facing additional regulatory burdens. However, the Biden administration later withdrew this guidance, signaling a shift in policy towards these emerging companies.
Sonderling’s return to the Labor Department under the Trump administration suggests a renewed focus on supporting the gig economy and providing clear compliance assistance to businesses. His appointment is seen as a positive step by many in the business community, who believe that his experience and approach will complement Chavez-DeRemer’s labor-friendly disposition to achieve the administration’s policy objectives.
Overall, Sonderling’s nomination as deputy labor secretary brings a mix of experience, expertise, and a pro-business perspective to the department, signaling potential changes in labor policy under the upcoming Trump administration. His track record and approach to labor issues make him a key player in shaping the future of labor policy in the United States.
