Sun Feb 22 20:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Federal Union Busting: A Harbinger of Authoritarianism?
The Story: Last spring, the Trump administration issued an executive order that effectively canceled collective bargaining rights for an estimated 700,000 to 1,000,000 federal workers. This action, framed as necessary to manage agencies with vital national security missions, is viewed by historian Joseph McCartin as the most significant act of union busting in U.S. history. Senator Jeff Merkley warned that the move mirrors tactics used in authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent and consolidate power.
Key Points:
- The Trump administration issued an executive order impacting collective bargaining rights for federal workers.
- The order affects an estimated 700,000 to 1,000,000 workers.
- The administration justified the action as necessary for national security.
- Historian Joseph McCartin calls it the most significant act of union busting in U.S. history.
- Senator Jeff Merkley likens the move to authoritarian tactics.
- Unions are presented as a bulwark against authoritarianism, promoting workplace democracy and unity.
Key Takeaways:
- The executive order is seen as a direct attack on the labor movement and collective bargaining rights.
- The justification of national security raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power.
- The article highlights the historical role of unions in resisting authoritarian tendencies.
- The labor movement’s traditional values of unity and solidarity are presented as key assets in the fight against authoritarianism.
- The article suggests a need for increased internal education within unions about the nature of authoritarian threats.
First Piper 