WASHINGTON — Senator Mike Braun, Senator Richard Burr, Representative Virginia Foxx, and Representative Rick Allen are demanding answers from the Secretary of Labor, Martin J. Walsh, on his participation in the strike activity with the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union against Kellogg conducted on October 27, 2021. Secretary Walsh’s participation served only the interest of organized labor and undermines the Department of Labor’s jurisdiction over the issues of wages, pensions and working conditions. The Department of Labor should be working with both the employer and the union to ensure that a fair agreement is reached.
“We write to express our deep concerns about your recent participation in strike activity underway at a Kellogg Company facility,” the Senators and Representatives wrote in the letter.
The letter asks for a response to the following questions by Nov. 12th:
· Will you commit to recuse yourself from all enforcement actions undertaken by DOL related to Kellogg, the company subject to the strike?
· Will you commit to recuse yourself from all enforcement actions undertaken by DOL related to the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union?
· Did you seek ethics advice prior to this visit? Provide any guidance or advice you received on the legality of this visit or your ethical obligations related to this visit.
· Did you participate in this strike on personal time? If not, why not?
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