Trump’s Presidency Could Hurt Unions
The labor movement has been gaining momentum recently, with workers across various industries attempting to unionize, going on strike, and making significant organizing strides, even in traditionally anti-union regions like the South. However, amidst this promising resurgence, the looming threat of another Donald Trump presidency poses a significant risk to the progress made by organized labor in its efforts to rebuild after a period of decline.
While Trump’s protectionist stance may align with certain unions and their members’ interests, his past actions during his first term in office paint a different picture. His administration placed anti-union officials in key labor agency roles, rolled back essential workplace protections, influenced the Supreme Court to endorse “right-to-work” laws, and actively worked to dismantle government job safeguards and suppress federal employee unions.
The current favorable public opinion towards unions, with a record number of Americans supportive of their increased economic influence, contrasts sharply with Trump’s previous anti-union initiatives. His potential return to office could pose several challenges to organized labor, including:
Turning The Administrative State Against Unions
Under a Trump presidency, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) could see a reversal of the progressive reforms implemented during the Biden administration. Trump’s potential NLRB appointees, reflective of his previous choices, might undo worker-friendly rulings and tilt the scales in favor of employers in labor disputes, hampering unions’ revitalization efforts.
Additionally, Trump could slash funding and staff from labor agencies, limiting their enforcement capabilities and weakening their support for workers’ rights. Such actions would align with Project 2025’s recommendations to reduce labor agencies’ budgets to historical lows, hindering unions’ ability to navigate a hostile legal environment.
Losing The Pro-Union Bully Pulpit
Unlike President Biden, who has actively championed unions and publicly condemned anti-worker practices by corporations like Amazon, Trump’s approach towards labor disputes has been transactional and less supportive of workers’ rights. His lack of solidarity with striking union members and preference for non-union settings could signify a dismissive attitude towards collective bargaining under another Trump administration.
Unions, like Unite Here, anticipate a renewed onslaught against organized labor under Trump, recalling past anti-union tactics employed by the former president during his initial run for office. The potential return of aggressive anti-union strategies could put unions on the defensive and hamper their organizing efforts.
Weakening Federal Unions
The federal workforce, in particular, remains vulnerable to Trump’s anti-union policies, as demonstrated by his previous attempts to curtail federal workers’ rights through executive orders and agency appointments. Policies like “Schedule F,” which strips civil service protections from federal employees, could be reinstated under a second Trump term, creating a volatile environment for government workers.
Doreen Greenwald of the National Treasury Employees Union expressed concerns about the potential politicization of federal employees and the erosion of workplace protections if Trump regains office. With policy recommendations from Project 2025 mirroring past anti-union executive orders, federal workers could face intensified challenges in securing their rights and job security.
In conclusion, the labor movement’s progress and growing popularity face significant jeopardy under the threat of another Donald Trump presidency. Union leaders and members must remain vigilant, mobilize support, and prepare to defend against potential anti-union policies that could erode their hard-won gains in the ongoing battle for workers’ rights and fair labor practices.
