Trump Administration Threatens Worker Protections, Union Relations and Safety Regulations

Section 3 Chapter 18 of Project 2025 proposes significant changes to labor laws and worker rights that would substantially weaken unions and worker protections. 

Impact on Federal workers

• More than 200,000 federal workers at more than a dozen agencies have lost their jobs since Trump took office. Over 1,000 of those workers worked for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, this increases concerns over reduced access to care and benefits for veterans. 
• Many fired employees are facing difficulties with unemployment benefits and health insurance coverage. 

Health and Safety Regulations

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is undergoing significant changes under the Trump administration. These changes have involved a focus on deregulation and reduced enforcement. 

• OSHA’s enforcement efforts are being restructured by the administration, leading to fewer on-site inspections and regulations.
• OSHA is focusing more on helping businesses follow safety rules rather than strictly enforcing them. Instead of heavy penalties, it’s promoting voluntary programs and guidance to encourage compliance.
• OSHA inspections have been shown to prevent injuries and save lives. With fewer inspections, workers face a higher risk of accidents and health hazards in the workplace—especially in high-risk industries like construction and manufacturing. . For veteran workers, who may already face health challenges from their service, weaker safety enforcement could put them at even greater risk on the job.

Worker’s Unions and Labor Relations

The Trump administration is significantly impacting workers unions and labor relations. Key changes include: 

• Reversal of pro-union policies: Many pro-union policies implemented during the Biden administration are being reversed or are expected to be overturned. 
• The administration is also making it harder for unions to be recognized without an election, potentially overturning decisions that allowed for easier union recognition
  • By requiring more hurdles for union recognition, workers—especially those in federal and blue-collar jobs—may struggle to advocate for fair treatment. For veteran workers, who often rely on union support for job security, healthcare benefits, and workplace accommodations, these changes could lead to lower wages, fewer protections, and a greater risk of exploitation by employers.