Jimmy Williams Jr., General President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss President Trump's executive order targeting federal unions, the importance of organizing and the need for labor to stand up for free speech.
Williams said President Trump's executive order is potentially the biggest attack on the labor movement in American history. He explained how the order strips collective bargaining rights from nearly 700,000 federal workers, including those responsible for food safety, veteran care and public health protection. Williams warned that this move sets a dangerous precedent, potentially paving the way for similar actions against private-sector unions in the future.
Williams continued by discussing the critical importance of organizing in response to these threats. He urged unions to educate workers about the issues affecting them at home and in the workplace, emphasizing the need for a different approach to organizing that addresses both political and workplace concerns. Williams said this is an opportunity for labor to engage workers in new ways, despite the challenges posed by recent anti-union actions and court rulings.
Finally, Williams discussed the need for labor to defend free speech and civil rights. He discussed the parallels between the current situation and historical labor struggles, referencing Eugene Debs' persecution in 1918 for speaking out against World War I. Williams argued that the labor movement must continue defending workers' rights to speak out and organize. He said this has become more important in the face of increasing political pressure and attempts to silence dissent.
Listen to the full episode for more from Williams and his thoughts on labor’s recent challenges.