This Labor Day, the Trump administration made headlines by displaying a massive banner outside the US Department of Labor featuring his portrait and the phrase “American Workers First.” This slogan resonates with Trump’s campaign promises to advocate for the rights of American workers and uplift those who feel forgotten. However, numerous labor advocates argue that Trump has prioritized corporate interests over worker welfare during his second term, implementing policies that have detrimental effects on workers, including wage cuts and increased job hazards.
Despite Trump's commitments to support coal miners, he has halted the enforcement of vital regulations that protect them from lung diseases like silicosis, which can be debilitating and fatal. In a significant blow to labor rights, Trump dismissed the chair of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), leaving this crucial regulatory body without adequate oversight to defend workers against illegal anti-union practices. Angering many labor leaders, Trump's administration has stripped one million federal employees of their collective bargaining rights and invalidated their union contracts. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, characterizes these actions as a “big betrayal,” noting the rapid pace at which these changes have occurred.
Shuler’s comments highlight a concerning trend: Trump’s administration has been perceived as increasingly hostile towards unions. “It’s a government that is by, and for, the CEOs and billionaires,” she stated. By halting significant wind turbine projects and ending subsidies for renewable energy factories, Trump has negatively impacted the construction workforce as well. Additionally, proposed changes threaten to eliminate minimum wage and overtime protections for 3.7 million home-care and domestic workers, further jeopardizing vulnerable labor segments.
Heidi Shierholz, president of the Economic Policy Institute, expresses frustration over the stark contrast between Trump’s pro-worker rhetoric and his actual policies: “The gulf is enormous,” she remarks. Trump’s decision to revoke the Biden-era minimum wage increase for federal contractors is particularly alarming, as it could lead to significant pay cuts for many full-time workers—over $9,200 annually for some.
In defense of their policies, Trump administration officials argue that the president has championed an agenda that prioritizes the American worker. Taylor Rogers, White House assistant press secretary, insists that under Trump’s leadership, the economy is booming, with blue-collar wages rising and job gains benefiting native-born Americans. However, numerous labor experts contend that Trump’s approach to unions is more severe than that of former President Ronald Reagan, who is often regarded as the most anti-union president in modern history.
Shuler emphasizes that Trump’s actions against collective bargaining for federal employees represent the largest single act of union-busting in U.S. history. Julie Su, the former acting labor secretary, echoes this sentiment, claiming that Trump is actively working to dismantle union protections. “He’s certainly trying to make the government non-union again,” she states, highlighting the unprecedented scale of union suppression under Trump's administration.
Labor advocates assert that Trump’s signature policies, such as tariffs and a stringent deportation campaign, have adverse effects on American workers. Economists warn that these tariffs are driving up prices and hindering economic growth, while his tax policies may further burden working families by cutting essential food assistance and health coverage. Many workers report that Trump's deportation efforts are disrupting their workplaces and forcing them to shoulder additional responsibilities.
During her annual State of the Unions address, Shuler remarked that the current state of American workers is one of attack and struggle. She stated, “We want cheaper groceries, and we get tanks on our streets. We want more affordable healthcare, and we get 16 million Americans about to be kicked off their coverage.” To combat these challenges, unions across the country are preparing for nearly 1,000 rallies and events this Labor Day, marking the beginning of a year-long mobilization effort.
Jenny Smith, a home-care worker from Champaign, Illinois, expressed her frustration with Trump’s proposals, stating that the elimination of wage protections would severely impact low-wage workers, primarily composed of marginalized communities. As she reflects on the rising costs of living, she questions Trump’s commitment to the working class, asserting that his actions reflect a disregard for their struggles.
Trump’s administration has also taken steps to weaken safety regulations for workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has faced staffing cuts, and proposals to reduce safety requirements threaten the welfare of workers across various industries. David Michaels, a professor of public health, criticizes these measures, warning that they could have catastrophic consequences for worker safety.
As Labor Day 2023 unfolds, the divide between Trump’s rhetoric and the realities faced by American workers continues to grow. With ongoing challenges regarding wages, job security, and safety protections, labor advocates are mobilizing to ensure that the voices of working people are heard and prioritized in the political landscape.
