Andrew Strom on biased judicial opinions and DOL cuts

Andrew Strom, labor lawyer, adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School and OnLabor Blog contributor, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of Trump-appointed judges on labor cases, proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the importance of enforcing labor laws.

Strom began by highlighting a recent case involving All Service Plumbing, which began in 2009 and showcased the impact of Trump-appointed judges on labor disputes. He explained that the judges disregarded precedent, statutory language and facts to rule against workers, effectively twisting the law to favor employers. Strom emphasized that this "lawless" approach to judicial opinions undermines the integrity of the legal system and disproportionately harms workers seeking justice.

Next, Strom warned that the proposed 25 percent cut to the DOL's budget would negatively impact worker protections. He detailed how the reduction from $13.8 billion to $8.6 billion would slash the workforce by one-third, from 15,700 to 10,800 employees. This drastic cut would significantly impair the DOL's ability to enforce wage and hour laws, workplace safety regulations and other crucial labor protections. Strom stressed that these cuts would leave workers vulnerable to exploitation and unsafe working conditions.

Finally, Strom emphasized the importance of maintaining and enforcing labor laws, likening them to the rules that govern sports. He argued that just as sports require referees and rulebooks to function fairly, the labor market needs regulations and enforcement mechanisms to protect workers' rights. Strom cautioned that the proposed cuts to the DOL and the Trump-appointed judges threaten to undermine these essential protections, potentially leading to a system where powerful employers can exploit workers with impunity.

Listen to the full episode above for more on Strom's thoughts on the impact of judicial bias and labor law enforcement.