‘The most anti-union president’: how Trump turned his back on US workers
Labor experts stunned at how anti-worker Trump has been with actions since last Labor Day that have hurt unions
TL;DR
- Trump's administration has been criticized for reducing workplace safety inspections and delaying regulations, such as those for silica dust affecting coal miners.
- Workers have experienced wage increases that have not kept pace with rising prices due to tariffs and war, and proposals aim to eliminate minimum wage and overtime protections for millions of low-wage homecare workers.
- The administration has aggressively pursued actions to strip federal employees of collective bargaining rights, with some calling it the largest act of union-busting in history.
- Trump fired the pro-union chair of the National Labor Relations Board and appointed pro-business officials, moves seen as hostile to organized labor.
- Policies have been implemented that weaken worker protections, including rescinding overtime pay expansions and attempts to weaken heat protection regulations.
- The administration has made it easier for employers to classify workers as independent contractors, potentially removing obligations for minimum wage, overtime, and benefits.
- Despite claims of economic strength, monthly job growth under Trump is down compared to Biden, and manufacturing jobs have been lost.
- The Department of Homeland Security obtained financial records from unions, and prosecutors alleged union federations were part of a criminal conspiracy, actions criticized as targeting labor activists.