On Possible Appointment of Curtis Ellis to Head DOL’s Bureau of Int’l Labor Affairs

Washington, DC—Following is a statement from Christine Owens, executive director of the National Employment Law Project:

“The Trump administration is reportedly considering appointing Curtis Ellis to head the Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB). ILAB is a key voice in U.S. trade negotiations and trade enforcement efforts, in addition to working to eradicate child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking overseas.  Effectively, ILAB serves as the U.S. Labor Department’s ambassador to the rest of the world.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Ellis has a long, well-documented history of extreme, xenophobic comments that could alienate our diplomatic allies, diminish the Labor Department’s foreign and domestic standing in high-stakes negotiations, and ultimately undermine the cause of promoting labor rights in the context of global trade.

“If the Trump administration really believes in putting America’s workers first, Mr. Ellis is not the right candidate for this important appointment.”

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