Dear Ann,
With the anti-union Trump administration taking control of the White House, the fight to protect workers' rights must shift to the state level.
Elon Musk, Trump's close ally, is leading the charge against the labor movement, spearheading a lawsuit argues that the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is unconstitutional. While the Supreme Court upheld the NLRA shortly after its enactment in 1935, anti-union forces are hoping for a ruling more to their liking from today's Supreme Court.
If successful, this lawsuit could dismantle the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), stripping unions of their primary mechanism for enforcing labor standards. Although the right to organize is constitutionally protected, the structures that enable union formation and hold corporations accountable are not guaranteed.
With the pro-union Biden era coming to an end, now workers must rely on governors and state legislatures to safeguard and codify their rights. This is the time to act! Alert your governor to their critical role in protecting workers in your state.
Send a direct message to your governor today: Protect workers' rights before it's too late.
Here are three crucial steps state governments can take immediately to support workers:
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Provide unemployment benefits (UI) for striking workers:
Strikes are a powerful tool but can cause financial strain for workers and their families. Currently, nine states allow striking workers to receive UI benefits, which enable them to stay on the picket line longer and resist corporate pressure.
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Enact "worker freedom of conscience" laws:
These laws prevent employers from forcing workers to attend mandatory "captive audience" meetings, often used to spread anti-union propaganda. Such meetings occur in 90% of union campaigns and significantly weaken organizing efforts. At least 10 states have already banned them.
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Repeal "right-to-work" laws:
Despite their name, right-to-work laws weaken unions by allowing workers to benefit from union contracts without paying dues. States with these laws often see lower union membership and greater income inequality. Half of all U.S. states currently enforce such laws.
Use our easy tool to send a message directly to your governor. Together, we can protect workers' rights.
Thank you for standing up for economic and social justice for workers everywhere.
Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
