Trump's Labor Pick Says He Broke Labor Laws

Admits unknowingly hiring undocumented worker
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 7, 2017 9:34 AM CST
Labor Secretary Nominee Hired Illegal Maid
Andy Puzder, right, and Donald Trump at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, NJ, on Nov. 19, 2016.   (Carolyn Kaster)

President Trump's nominee for labor secretary says a housekeeper he previously employed at his home was an undocumented worker, potentially complicating his efforts to get confirmed, reports the AP. Andrew Puzder said in a statement Tuesday that he and his wife employed a housekeeper for a few years and they were unaware she was not legally permitted to work in the US. "When I learned of her status, we immediately ended her employment and offered her assistance in getting legal status," says Puzder, a fast food chain executive. "We have fully paid back taxes to the IRS and the State of California."

Democrats and their allies have already been rushing to exploit Puzder's record opposing a big increase in the minimum wage, overtime rules and more as they question how well he would advocate for American workers. Puzder outsourced his fast-food company's technology department to the Philippines, a move that contradicts Trump's vow to stick up for American workers and keep American jobs in the US. A filing with the Labor Department on Puzder's company—and a spokesman's acknowledgement that CKE continues to use the IT operation in the Philippines—provides a window into a key contradiction raised by the nomination. (More Andy Puzder stories.)

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