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UAW President Criticizes New Executive Order Targeting Federal Worker Contracts
Shawn Fain, who leads the United Automobile Workers (UAW), has voiced strong opposition to a recent executive order signed by President Trump, terming it a significant blow to the rights of federal workers. Fain drew parallels to the historic air traffic controller strike in 1981, during which President Ronald Reagan dismissed 11,000 controllers, emphasizing the gravity of the current situation.
“This action is a hundred times more severe than what happened with PATCO,” said Fain, referencing the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization. He highlighted that the new order impacts around 700,000 federal employees by effectively invalidating their collective bargaining agreements.
In an interview with CBS News’ chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett, set to air on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Fain expressed concerns over the erosion of free speech and union rights. “This is an outright attack on union protections,” he stated.
The executive order, issued on Thursday, aims to impede collective bargaining processes within federal agencies responsible for national security, claiming that union activities hinder effective management. Notably, this order encompasses a wide range of agencies, including those that do not directly address national security, such as the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, State, Energy, Treasury, and Health and Human Services.
Fain criticized the motivations behind the order, specifically targeting wealthy individuals who he claims are pushing for further tax reductions that primarily benefit themselves. “History has repeatedly shown that such policies do not serve the interests of the American populace,” he remarked, emphasizing the adverse effects on working-class citizens.
He stressed that workers are not seeking extravagant wealth but rather a “fair share” that ensures a decent standard of living. Fain laid out four critical issues for workers: living wages, accessible healthcare, retirement security, and a quality of life that extends beyond mere work obligations.
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