Jody Calemine, the AFL-CIO's Director of Advocacy, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the labor federation's response to recent attacks on federal workers and agencies, the ongoing legal battles against executive orders and the potential impact on workers' rights and public services.
The AFL-CIO recently launched the Department of People who Work for a Living in response to Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Calemine explained that this initiative aims to give working people a voice in policy discussions and counter-proposals from billionaires. According to Calemine, the department will push for an efficient, effective government that is responsive to working people's needs. He said the department would operate contrary to DOGE's agenda, which raised concerns about data privacy and the dismantling of critical community services.
Calemine highlighted the legal challenges the AFL-CIO is pursuing against recent executive orders that threaten workers' rights and federal agencies. He emphasized the lawlessness of actions that ignore existing laws and regulations, necessitating court intervention to enforce workers' rights. Calemine also discussed the potential consequences of proposed budget cuts, particularly in areas like Medicaid, which could lead to reduced access to healthcare and economic devastation in poorer rural areas.
Finally, Calemine discussed the attacks on key labor institutions, including the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board. Calemine expressed concern over DOGE's attempts to access sensitive worker data and the recent firing of NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox, which has effectively disabled the board's ability to issue decisions. He stressed the importance of maintaining the independence of these agencies and protecting workers' organizing and collective bargaining rights.
Listen to the full episode to hear more from Calemine on the AFL-CIO's efforts to protect workers' rights and public services.