AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement on OSHA’s Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process final rule:
Every worker deserves the right to have a union representative, a workplace safety expert or another qualified advocate present during Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections. We applaud OSHA for finalizing its new Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process rule to level the playing field for America’s workers.
This rule clarifies and codifies an existing right that has been eroded in practice by employers and reaffirms the important role of worker representatives in addressing unsafe working conditions. It acknowledges the invaluable expertise that worker representatives bring to the OSHA inspection process—improving hazard identification and remediation efforts and empowering workers to raise concerns without fear of employer retaliation.
This rule is a significant step forward to regain worker trust in the investigation process and to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all workers.
Contact: Isabel Aldunate, 202-637-5018