Donald Trump: Picks Antagonist of Higher Minimum Wage,For Labour Department.

President-elect Donald Trump named fast-food executive Andy Puzder to head the U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday, drawing criticism from labour advocates worried about his opposition to a higher minimum wage and government regulation of the workplace. 

Puzder, chief executive of CKE Restaurants Inc. APOLOT.UL, which operates the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's fast-food chains, has frequently argued in the media that higher minimum wages would hurt workers by forcing restaurants to close.He has bashed a new Labor Department rule aimed at extending overtime pay to more than 4 million U.S. workers and has praised the benefits of automation in the fast-food industry.Fast-food workers, who are largely not unionized, are engaged in a multi-year campaign known as the "Fight for $15," which is supported by labour unions, to raise minimum wages to $15 (£11.9) per hour. They have had state-wide successes in New York and California and in cities and municipalities such as Seattle.

Trump, in a statement released by his transition team, praised Puzder for a "record fighting for workers" and said he would ensure occupational safety standards."He will save small businesses from the crushing burdens of unnecessary regulations that are stunting job growth and suppressing wages,” Trump said.

In the same statement, Puzder said he agreed with Trump that "the right government policies can result in more jobs and better wages for the American worker."The Labor Department regulates wages, safety and discrimination in the workplace.