AFL-CIO President John Sweeney has talked via telephone with Elaine Chao, President-elect Bush's new nominee for Secretary of Labor, and Sweeney requested a meeting with Chao if she is confirmed by the Senate, the labor federation said in a news release.

Sweeney and Chao have worked together on the board of the United Way of America, the federation noted.

"The AFL-CIO believes strongly that the continued strength of America's economy, and the security of America's working families, depends upon government, labor and management working together on important common issues,' Sweeney said after the announcement of Chao's selection. 'We will certainly support any nominee who shares this perspective."

The AFL-CIO had vigorously opposed the previous nominee for Secretary of Labor, Linda Chavez, who has dropped her name from consideration.

Read the AFL-CIO news release on the Chao nomination.