Following on the heels of Hilda Solis’ surprising resignation, the President has nominated Thomas E. Perez to serve as the Secretary of Labor during his second term. Mr. Perez, like previously withdrawn Wage-and-Hour Administrator nominee Leon Rodriguez, has a background in public sector work and civil rights litigation, most recently serving as head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Mr. Perez will now undergo the scrutiny associated with the confirmation process, which may be contentious. However, his selection, whether successful or unsuccessful, likely will not alter the continued aggressive DOL enforcement of wage-and-hour and other laws during President Obama’s second term.
