Walsh appeared before the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions as his confirmation proceedings began Thursday Published February 4, 2021 • Updated on February 4, 2021 at 6:17 pm NBC Universal, Inc. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh highlighted his experience as a union leader and Boston mayor as he made his case to be confirmed as the next labor secretary before a Senate committee, Thursday. Appearing before the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Walsh repeatedly stressed his background in unions and track record as Boston's mayor had prepared him to lead the labor department. Walsh said as labor secretary, he would fight for equal access to good jobs, opportunities for continuing education and job training, access to mental health and substance use treatment and to close racial and gender gaps.