In today’s news and commentary, the Senate confirms Keith Sonderling as the new Labor Secretary, and Amazon warehouse workers in New York go on an unfair labor practice strike.

Late Wednesday night, the Senate voted 47-41 to confirm Keith Sonderling, the acting Secretary of Labor, to the post permanently. The vote fell along partisan lines, with every Republican present voting for Sonderling’s nomination, and every Democrat voting against it; the nomination only needed a majority to pass. The seat in Trump’s cabinet has been officially empty since April though Sonderling has been acting secretary since his predecessor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, resigned earlier this year amid investigations into allegations that she had abused the power of her position. Sonderling is widely regarded as employer-friendly, and Democrats voiced concern that, as Secretary, Sonderling will undermine the Labor Department’s mission to administer federal labor laws that guarantee workers’ rights to fair, safe, and healthy working conditions. During Sonderling’s confirmation hearing, Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash, cautioned, “I fear any vote to confirm you is for more of the same: to strip overtime protections for our workers, to undercut our unions and to let giant corporations get away with robbery.”

Next, on Tuesday, Amazon warehouse workers at the SWF1 facility in Rock Tavern, New York, walked off the job, launching an unfair labor practice strike after months calling for Amazon to improve working conditions. Workers at the facility highlight falling parcels, dangerous conveyor-belt speeds, and neglect from managers when substandard conditions are reported, among other problems. One warehouse worker, Scott Spath, said, “We are done waiting on Amazon to fix these problems.” The strike was organized through the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents workers at the Orange County facility. The union says workers routinely witness Amazon prioritize profits and productivity over safe working conditions. Workers at the facility also say that they have tried to raise concerns on the Voice of the Associate board, Amazon’s internal digital feedback system, only to have their posts deleted. Workers and outside organizers are now holding a picket outside the facility as part of the strike.