Teamsters Support Solis' Budget

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Feb 03, 2010, 07:03 ET

Hoffa Says Spending Priorities Will Help Restore Economy

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa praised Labor Secretary Hilda Solis' request today for more money to protect workers.

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In testimony before the House Education and Labor Committee today, Solis urged members of Congress to support a $14 billion budget for her department. That includes an increase in funding for enforcement of regulations and laws that cover workplace safety, equal pay and proper classification of employees.

"Secretary Solis understands that it makes economic sense to make sure workers are paid the wages they're owed," Hoffa said. "Consumer spending drives our economy, so when workers have spending money they contribute to economic growth. That means more jobs."

Hoffa commended Solis for efforts over the past year to hold accountable employers who endanger the lives of their workers.

"After years of neglect by the Bush administration, it's good to see a Labor Secretary who takes seriously the job of protecting workers' health and safety," Hoffa said.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters