“I thought you would like to read the accompanying editorial from the New York Times.  Not only do the editors do a great job of examining the road ahead for President-elect Obama and his choice for Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, but they also come down squarely in support of the Employee Free Choice Act.  It is really encouraging to see a major newspaper come out in support of the right to organize and to recognize the importance of a strong and vibrant labor movement to the success of the American economy.  Happy New Year.  Bill.”

There is no doubt that President-elect Barack Obama has chosen a labor secretary who could be a transformative force in a long-neglected arena. The question is whether he will let her.

Hilda Solis, a United States representative from Southern California, is the daughter of immigrant parents with union jobs. She has been an unfailing advocate of workers’ rights during eight years in Congress and before that, in California politics.

Ms. Solis has been a leader on traditional workplace issues, like a higher minimum wage and an enhanced right to form unions. She also has helped to expand the labor agenda by sponsoring legislation to create jobs in green technology, and in her support for community health workers and immigration reform.