The Assault on Worker Rights, Collective Action, and a Healthy Workplace

The Trump administration has consistently prioritized corporate interests over the rights and well-being of American workers. From attacking unions and collective bargaining to rolling back workplace safety regulations, these policies contribute to an unhealthy, stressful, and economically insecure workforce. Without strong worker protections, employees face increased job stress, lower wages, longer hours, and a greater risk of exploitation—leading to worsening physical and mental health outcomes.

Examples:

Weakening Unions and Collective Bargaining
- The Trump administration actively sought to weaken unions, making it harder for workers to organize and bargain for better wages, benefits, and conditions.
Rolling Back Worker Safety Protections
- Workplace safety regulations, including protections against hazardous conditions and employer retaliation, were rolled back under Trump. His administration weakened OSHA enforcement, reducing oversight of workplace violations.
- Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration refused to implement federal safety standards, putting millions of workers—especially frontline and essential workers—at risk.
Suppressing Wages and Exacerbating Income Inequality
- While corporate profits soared under Trump’s tax policies, workers saw little benefit. His administration opposed raising the federal minimum wage and failed to address pay disparities, leaving millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet.
- Widening income inequality contributes to increased workplace stress, financial insecurity, and poorer health outcomes.
Encouraging Longer Hours and Work Overload
- Instead of promoting policies that support work-life balance, Trump’s labor policies favor longer work hours, employer flexibility over worker well-being.
- Research shows that long hours and job strain contribute to higher risks of chronic illness, mental health issues, and even premature death.
Attacking Workplace Protections for Vulnerable Workers
- Trump’s labor policies disproportionately harmed low-wage, immigrant, and marginalized workers, including increased workplace surveillance, limited legal protections for gig workers, and weakened anti-discrimination enforcement. These policies made it easier for employers to exploit vulnerable workers, many of whom lack the power to fight back.

HWC Supported Solutions

To counteract attacks on worker rights and promote a healthy workplace, HWC advocates for policies that protect and empower workers, including unionization efforts, enforcement of fair labor standards, and the promotion of a healthier, more equitable workplace for all.

Examples:

Strengthening Union Protections
- Unions provide workers with job security, better wages, and protections against unfair treatment. Research shows that unionized workers experience lower stress levels, better health outcomes, and improved job satisfaction.
- Share examples of organizations and countries where work-hour regulations, fair scheduling, and strong social safety nets have led to healthier, more productive workers and reduced economic fallout.
- Policymakers must protect and expand the right to unionize, ensuring fair bargaining power between workers and employers.
Reducing Job Stress and Workload Imbalances
- Employers must address excessive workloads, long hours, and unrealistic productivity demands. This includes setting reasonable work hours, ensuring adequate rest periods, and implementing policies that promote work-life balance.
Ensuring Safe and Fair Working Conditions
- Stronger labor laws are needed to guarantee safer workplaces, prevent employer retaliation against organizing efforts, and hold corporations accountable for worker exploitation. Regulations that protect against hazardous work conditions and enforce fair labor standards must be reinstated and expanded.
Addressing Income Inequality and Wage Stagnation
- Raising the federal minimum wage, ensuring fair pay structures, and addressing racial and gender pay gaps are critical to creating a healthier workforce. States with higher union density tend to have better worker protections, stronger social safety nets, and lower workplace injury rates.
Promoting a Sustainable, Worker-Centered Economy
- Instead of policies that prioritize corporate profits, a shift toward sustainable business practices that recognize the value of healthy, engaged workers is necessary.
- Businesses that invest in worker well-being ultimately see higher productivity, lower turnover, and long-term success. Share examples of organizations and countries where work-hour regulations, fair scheduling, and strong social safety nets have led to healthier, more productive workers and reduced economic fallout.