February 10th, 2025: President's Message

Without question, the National Labor Relations Board during the Biden years did more to support workers and union organizing than any period in memory. The NLRB is the federal agency charged with protecting worker’s rights – the Board ultimately rules on union elections and unfair labor practices committed by employers.

On Donald Trump’s first day in office, he essentially neutered the NLRB by illegally firing Board Chair Gwynne Wilcox, who was confirmed by the Senate in 2023 for a term that was to last into 2028. This unprecedented dismissal leaves the Board with only two members, cleverly rendering this watchdog inoperable, since three members are required to form a quorum and conduct business.

AFL-CIO President Liz Schuler said that this firing and his intentional crippling of the Board “will have immediate consequences for working people.” Trump also fired the General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, who in her four years as the Board’s chief attorney had worked tirelessly and effectively to extend the protection of federal labor laws to more and more workers.

Where does this leave us as a labor movement? Gwynne Wilcox (a Syracuse University graduate) is going to challenge her dismissal in court. But even if she wins reinstatement, a 2-1 Republican majority will hold sway. Undoubtedly, this is going to be a rough four years for labor.

Amidst a great deal of uncertainty, the only certainty is that this is just the opening shot. The billionaires, elected and unelected, now running our country seek to put profit above people. Our job is to push back and resist at every turn.

The return of the anti-labor cabal to the halls of government reminds us that working people ultimately have only ourselves to rely on. Strong unions, strong communities, strong alliances with our allies, will be what helps us navigate these threatening times. Stay tuned to these biweekly newsletters and pop-up calls to action for information on how to fight back against the attacks on our democracy.

Be prepared. Be bold. Stay united.