Honestly, most people in North Carolina only know the Labor Commissioner because of the little photo inside the elevator. For years, Cherie Berry’s face was the most famous thing about the department. But the 2024 election was different. With no incumbent running, the race for nc commissioner of labor candidates 2024 became a real battle for the future of how we work in this state.
It wasn't just about elevators. We're talking about who decides if your boss has to give you a break in 100-degree heat or how much power unions actually have in a "right-to-work" state like ours.
The Face-Off: Farley vs. Winston
The two main guys on the ballot couldn't have been more different. You had Luke Farley on the Republican side and Braxton Winston II for the Democrats.
Luke Farley is a lawyer from Raleigh. He’s spent about 14 years dealing with workplace safety law, but usually from the side of the businesses. He’s a "common sense conservative" sort of guy who thinks the government should help businesses stay safe without making them go broke with too many rules.
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Then you had Braxton Winston. If you follow Charlotte politics, you know him. He was a Mayor Pro Tem there and a member of a stagehands union. He’s a guy who’s actually been on the floor, doing the manual labor. His whole vibe was the "whole worker" approach—basically saying that if a worker can't afford a house or find a bus to get to work, they aren't really "safe" or "productive."
The Big Issues They Fought Over
One of the funniest things about this race was the "Make Elevators Great Again" slogan. Farley used that to lean into the nostalgia of the Cherie Berry era. But underneath the jokes, there were some heavy disagreements:
- Heat Safety: Winston wanted strict, mandatory rules for people working outside, like farmers and construction crews. Think guaranteed water and shade. Farley was more hesitant about "one-size-fits-all" mandates from the federal government, preferring a North Carolina-specific solution that didn't crush small farmers.
- Unions: This was a huge dividing line. Winston is a union man through and through. He wanted to see North Carolina move away from being one of the least unionized states in the country. Farley, on the other hand, is a big supporter of right-to-work laws. He thinks the current system is just fine where it is.
- Vaccines and Masks: Believe it or not, COVID-19 was still a talking point. Farley campaigned hard on "medical freedom," saying he’d fight any attempt to force masks or vaccines in the workplace.
What Happened on Election Night?
When the dust settled on November 5, 2024, Luke Farley came out on top. He grabbed about 52.8% of the vote, which is roughly 2.9 million North Carolinians checking his name. Braxton Winston put up a good fight with 47.2%, but it wasn't enough to flip the seat.
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It’s interesting because even though some Republicans at the top of the ticket struggled, Farley's message seemed to resonate. He actually got more votes than some of the other big names on the Council of State. People liked his focus on being a "collaborative" partner to business rather than just a punisher.
Why Does This Office Actually Matter?
The Labor Commissioner isn't just a figurehead. They run the Department of Labor (NCDOL), which has a massive reach:
- OSH (Occupational Safety and Health): They do the inspections. If a trench collapses or a machine isn't guarded right, these are the folks who investigate.
- Wage and Hour: If your boss isn't paying you the minimum wage or is stiffing you on overtime, you file a complaint here.
- Amusement Rides: Every time you get on a roller coaster at the State Fair, you’re trusting the NCDOL.
- Boiler Safety: Sounds boring until one explodes. They make sure that doesn't happen.
What’s Next for Workers in North Carolina?
Now that Farley is in the big chair (he was sworn in on January 2, 2025), things are shifting. He’s already talked about wanting to give NCDOL employees a 10% raise because the department has been struggling with people quitting for better-paying jobs.
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He’s also bringing back the photos. Yep, the elevator placards will have his face on them again. He argues it’s about accountability—so you know exactly who to call if things aren't working.
If you’re a business owner or a worker in NC, you should keep an eye on how he handles "consultative visits." His plan is to do more "no-harm-no-foul" inspections where they help you fix problems before they fine you. It’s a friendlier approach for businesses, but some worker advocates are worried it might let some bad actors off the hook.
Actionable Steps for You
Regardless of who you voted for, you should know how to use the department that Farley now leads.
- Report a Hazard: If you see something dangerous at work, you don't have to just "deal with it." You can file a complaint with OSH NC anonymously.
- Check Your Pay: If your paycheck looks light, look up the NC Wage and Hour Act. You can file a claim online if you think you're being cheated.
- Request a Consultation: If you own a small business and you’re terrified of an OSHA fine, ask for a free consultative visit. They won't fine you as long as you agree to fix the issues they find.
- Watch the Placard: Next time you’re in an elevator, check the date. If it’s expired, that’s your first reason to care about who the Commissioner of Labor is.
Stay informed by checking the official NC Department of Labor website for updates on new safety standards or changes in wage laws that might affect your daily life.