John
With the anti-union Trump administration taking control of the White House, the fight to protect workers’ rights must move to the state level immediately.
New “First Buddy” Elon Musk, by far Trump’s richest ally, is spearheading efforts to dismantle the labor movement. He’s pursuing a lawsuit claiming the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is unconstitutional -- despite the Supreme Court affirming its constitutionality shortly after it became law in 1935. Given the current make-up of the Court, however, Musk sees an opportunity to wipe out all unions.
If the NLRA is overturned, it would mean the dissolution of the National Labor Relations Board, which serves as the primary enforcer of labor standards. While the Constitution guarantees the right to organize, it does not secure the mechanisms unions rely on to hold corporations accountable or establish fair labor practices.
As the Biden administration’s strong pro-union stance comes to an end, it will be up to governors and state legislatures to take the lead in protecting workers’ rights. The urgency to act is clear: we need to push state leaders to defend the labor movement before it’s too late.
Take action now! Send a direct message to your governor, urging immediate action to safeguard workers’ rights, and ensure the labor movement remains a powerful force for economic and social justice.
State governments can take several critical steps to support workers:
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Extend unemployment benefits to striking workers: Striking is one of the most effective tools workers have, but it often comes with severe financial consequences. To address this, nine states have already enacted laws allowing striking workers to receive unemployment insurance (UI). By providing this safety net, states can empower workers to maintain their efforts for fair wages and conditions without fear of economic ruin.
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Ban mandatory “captive audience” meetings: Employers frequently require workers to attend meetings during work hours where they are subjected to anti-union rhetoric, religious messaging, or political propaganda. These meetings are a common union-busting tactic, used in nearly 90% of union campaigns. Research shows prohibiting such meetings improves workers’ chances of forming unions. At least 10 states have passed laws to protect workers from this practice.
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Repeal right-to-work laws: Right-to-work laws undermine unions by allowing workers to benefit from union contracts without paying dues, leading to lower membership rates and greater economic inequality. Half of U.S. states currently have these laws in place. Repealing them is essential for strengthening unions and ensuring fair labor practices.
Send a message to your governor now: Use our tool to urge your state leaders to take a stand for workers’ rights.
Thank you for supporting the fight for fair treatment and dignity for all workers!
- DFA AF Team
