ENZI URGES SOLIS TO FOSTER COOPERATION, NOT CONFRONTATION, IN EMPLOYEE-EMPLOYER RELATIONS

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Ranking Member of theSenate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today emphadthat the Department of Labor would achieve better results by approaching employeeemployerrelations in a cooperative, not confrontational, manner, and urged the Secretaryof Labor designate to work constructively with both labor and business.

“It’s counterproductive to treat employees and employers as enemies,” Enzi saidat a confirmation hearing for Representative Hilda Solis, nominee for Secretary of Labor.“We need to reject the ‘us versus them’ mentality that has characterized labormanagementrelations for too long. By working with, not against, small businesses andother employers, we can help them create new jobs, make payroll, provide good benefits,and promote safe and flexible work environments,” Enzi said.

Enzi said that he will work to find common ground with the Obamaadministration to help small businesses grow and create jobs, and to help all Americansdevelop the knowledge and skills to fill those jobs. “We need to retool our job training system to bolster our economy and ensurethat every American has the knowledge and skills to be successful,” Enzi said. “We mustreauthorize the Workforce Investment Act to keep our competitive edge and prepare ourworkers for the high-paying, high skills jobs of the 21st century.”

“Although we have very different views on most labor union issues, I am hopefulthat we can work constructively together,” Enzi said.