The attack on labor has started. Now, we must be ready.
Donald Trump is trying to cripple the labor movement, and his latest move proves it. In a late-night attack on workers’ rights, Trump fired key pro-union officials from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), including General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and board member Gwynne Wilcox. Firing Wilcox is illegal—her term doesn’t end until 2028. Worse yet, this leaves the five-person board without a quorum, effectively stalling national NLRB operations.
So what does this mean for workers? While this could weaken the enforcement of labor rights, it doesn’t erase them. Local NLRB offices are still running union elections and handling unfair labor practice (ULP) claims. Employers may try to stall contract negotiations, but let’s be honest—they’ve been doing that for years, even under pro-labor leadership. Real power still comes from organizing, not just legal protections.
In a recent move that has raised significant legal and ethical concerns, President Donald Trump announced plans to cancel all collective bargaining agreements reached with federal employees within 30 days of his inauguration. This action, communicated through a memo to executive departments and agencies, targets agreements that outline working conditions, pay, and other policies. These agreements are legally binding contracts between unions and employees. Unilaterally nullifying them undermines established labor relations and potentially violates federal labor laws designed to protect collective bargaining rights. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal employee union, has responded by asserting that approved union contracts are enforceable by law and that the president does not have the authority to make unilateral changes to these agreements. They have vowed to "aggressively defend" these contracts, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting workers' rights.
Meanwhile, in Utah, the state legislature has launched one of the most aggressive attacks on organized labor in over a decade, specifically targeting teachers, firefighters, and police officers who are union members. On Monday, the Utah House approved a bill that would ban public sector unions from collective bargaining with government entities, effectively silencing the voices of those who protect and educate the public. The measure would also prohibit paid release time for union work and require unions to disclose their spending. If passed, this legislation would undermine the working conditions and job security of first responders and educators, weakening their ability to advocate for fair wages, benefits, and workplace safety. This attack on frontline workers highlights the urgent need for labor organizations to push back, strengthen solidarity, and continue fighting for the rights of all public sector employees.
Rather than fall into despair, the labor movement must go on the offensive. CCCTU Local 1600’s Committee on Political Education (COPE) is a critical tool in this fight. COPE funds are essential in battling the forces that seek to end collective bargaining and strip workers of their rights. By contributing, union members help ensure that pro-labor candidates are elected, anti-worker policies are fought, and the voice of organized labor remains strong in political arenas. Now more than ever, COPE is a lifeline in the struggle to defend and expand labor rights.
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