Labor Secretary Confronts Discrimination Allegations Linked to Husband’s Misconduct
At least three people have filed formal workplace complaints against Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The filings accuse her of creating a toxic office environment and retaliating against women who reported misconduct.
Complaints and allegations
Two of the complaints were lodged by young female staffers. They allege Dr. Shawn DeRemer subjected them to unwanted sexual touching late last year inside Department of Labor offices.
All claims were submitted as Equal Employment Opportunity complaints. One filing also alleges the secretary directed staff to perform personal chores, including cleaning a clothing closet.
Investigations and evidence
Multiple agencies have opened probes into the matter. The Inspector General for the Department of Labor is investigating alleged misconduct by the secretary and senior staff.
One staffer reported a sex abuse incident to police in December. A police report obtained by Filmogaz.com shows the Metropolitan Police Department investigated.
Sources say at least one alleged incident was recorded on office security footage. That footage reportedly corroborated portions of a staffer’s account.
The Washington Post reported in February that the MPD closed its investigation, finding no evidence of a crime. The report said Dr. Shawn DeRemer remains banned from the agency.
Workplace dynamics
Complainants portray a fearful work culture. They say staff worried about punishment for speaking up or refusing inappropriate directives.
The discrimination allegations also assert retaliatory behavior tied to complaints about the husband’s misconduct. Those claims seek accountability inside the agency.
Responses and status
Lawyers for both Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Dr. Shawn DeRemer have denied wrongdoing. The Department of Labor and the couple did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The secretary’s tenure as a cabinet member in the Trump administration has seen prior controversy. The Inspector General launched its probe after receiving an initial complaint, sources say.
