Law Firm Bankrolls ‘Good Riddance’ Party for Labor Secretary
A Baltimore labor and union law firm bankrolled a “good riddance” party last week for Labor Department staffers happy to see the departure of their boss, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao.
The firm, Snider & Associates, spent $6,000 on the party at a Washington, D.C., restaurant, the Washington Post reports. Appearing at the event was Alexander Bastani, president of Local 12 of the American Federation of Government Employees, who led attendees in a rendition of : “Na na na na, na na na na, hey, hey, goodbye.” Cake was served with the message, “Ciao to Chao.”
The law firm advertises in Local 12’s newsletter, with the message, “Local 12 trusts us. … So should you!” the story says.
The union is celebrating because it views Chao as making it difficult for Labor Department staffers to carry out the department’s mission, the story says.
Jennifer Coxe, deputy assistant secretary of public affairs, told the Post that most employees don’t share the views of those who attended the party. “While a disgruntled few may have been griping at happy hour, most of the department’s 15,000-plus career employees have been enthusiastically achieving record pro-worker results under Secretary Chao’s leadership,” Coxe said.
