Obama’s inauguration opens new era of U.S. history

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.” - President Barack Obama

When Barack Obama took the oath of office on January 20, he did so in front of two million people on the National Mall, and at least 38 million people at home and at inauguration parties across the country. Even as the nation suffers from its worst recession since the 1930s and is mired in two wars, Obama used the occasion to usher in a new enthusiasm for democracy and to raise the spectre of hope for the future.

During the transition, Obama named Congressmember Hilda Solis to be Secretary of Labor. Solis, a representative from Southern California, is the daughter of immigrant parents with union jobs. She has been an unfailing advocate of workers’ rights during her eight years in Congress and before that, in California politics.

Her record in Congress dovetails with the mission of Obama’s Labor Department, to protect and further the rights and opportunities of working people. It also dovetails with many of the promises Obama made during the campaign, both in its specifics and in its focus on the needs of America’s working families.

Obama also named Wilma Liebman to chair the National Labor Relations Board. Liebman has served on the board for 11 years and had led the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service for two years. She also served as Legal Counsel for the Teamsters for nine years in the 1970s.

“Having people who understand unions and care about working people running the nation’s critical labor agencies will be a refreshing change,” said Joint Council 7 President Chuck Mack.

“Having a president who comes into office committed to the Employee Free Choice Act means that the Act has a good chance of getting passed,” he added. “We just have to make sure that Congress understands that the Act will result in more workers able to join unions. That’s good for building a strong middle class and it’s good for rebuilding the economy.”

Economist and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich agrees. “The American middle class isn't looking for a bailout or a handout. Making it easier for all Americans to form unions would give the middle class the bargaining power it needs for better wages and benefits. And a strong and prosperous middle class is necessary if our economy is to succeed.”