Catherwood LibraryILR School

Hilda Solis, the first Latina ever to lead a federal agency, announced she will step down as Secretary of Labor, the latest departure from President Obama's Cabinet following his reelection. Solis, described by the president as "a tireless champion for working families", proved to be a catalyst to create a tougher Department of Labor, working to enforce workplace-safety laws and punish employers of immigrant and low-wage workers who shorted employees' pay. While generally receiving good reviews from many of the country's largest labor unions, business groups have been largely critical of Solis, viewing here as a more combative Labor Secretary as opposed to previous Cabinet members more cooperative with business interests.