John C. Brooks
Brooks previously held this position from 1977 to 1993.
He is staff attorney of the Industrial Commission of the N.C. Department of Commerce.
- Wants to prioritize law and make North Carolina a leader in federal labor laws, both in creating and modifying legislation
- Supports the addition of an educational component to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses
- Wants to create a “skills academy” to become the state’s flagship vocational education institution. It would be part of the UNC system
Cherie Berry* – Republican
If elected, Berry would be serving her fourth term. She has been labor commissioner since 2001.
Previously, Berry served eight years in the N.C. House of Representatives.
She previously owned a spark plug wires business.
- Says her top priority is employee safety
- Wants to continue to recruit and train apprentices, especially in the skilled trades
- Stresses fiscal responsibility
- Since Berry took office, the occupational injury and illness rate in the state’s private sector has significantly decreased
- Opposes the overregulation of the business community
