EPI President Heidi Shierholz Exposes Trump's Anti-Worker Policies and Economic Deception

Heidi Shierholz, President of the Economic Policy Institute and former Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the erosion of worker protections under the Trump administration, the manipulation of economic data and the importance of unions in today's economy.

Shierholz offered examples of Trump policies she described as “anti-worker,” including the removal of minimum wage increases for low-wage federal contract workers and the potential dismantling of the National Labor Relations Board. She highlighted how Trump's pro-worker rhetoric contradicts his actions, which she said have consistently favored employers and shareholders over workers. Shierholz also clarified misconceptions about Trump's proposed tax exemptions on overtime and tips, explaining that the benefits to workers are far less than advertised and could lead to lower base wages.

The conversation turned to the integrity of economic data, with Shierholz addressing concerns about potential manipulation of Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. She reassured listeners that current BLS data remains trustworthy due to the dedication of career statisticians, but warned of future risks if more partisan appointees gain control. Shierholz emphasized the critical role accurate economic data plays in policymaking and overall economic health.

Finally, Shierholz stressed the importance of unions in creating an economy that works for everyone. She noted that despite federal attacks on unions, especially in the public sector, support for unions is at a decades-long high. Shierholz encouraged workers to organize and fight back against anti-union efforts, highlighting how some states are stepping up to protect workers' rights in the absence of federal action.

Listen to the full episode for more insights on protecting workers' rights in today's challenging political climate.