Boilermakers International President Newton B. Jones issues statement on nomination of Alexander Acosta for Secretary of Labor

KANSAS CITY, KS, Feb. 20, 2017 — Newton B. Jones, International President of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO/CLC, today issued the following statement on the nomination of Alexander Acosta for Secretary of Labor.

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO/CLC hereby commends Alexander Acosta on his nomination for Secretary of Labor.

Mr. Acosta’s distinguished record of public service — as assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice’s civil rights division, as US attorney for the southern district of Florida, as a member of the National Labor Relations Board, and now as dean of Florida International University’s law school — demonstrates that he has the necessary qualifications and experience to successfully run the Department of Labor.

The mission of the Department of Labor is clear: “To foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.”

We look forward to Mr. Acosta’s nomination hearings, where we hope he will clearly articulate his support for the mission of the Department of Labor and his priorities for all working Americans.


The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO/CLC is a diverse union representing workers throughout the United States and Canada. Boilermakers are employed in field construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, railroads, cement, mining, and related industries.