The Impact of Project 2025 on Organized Labor
In the July-August-September issue of The Utility Worker, my column addressed concerns about the potential effects of a second Trump administration following the policy framework outlined in Project 2025, particularly as it relates to organized labor. Project 2025, a comprehensive policy agenda developed by conservative think tanks, aims to reshape federal governance and labor relations significantly. The article received mixed reactions — some shared these concerns, while others argued that Project 2025 had no direct connection to candidate Trump.
Fast forward to 2025, and in the first few days of President Trump’s second term, we are already witnessing the administration taking decisive steps in alignment with Project 2025’s objectives. These actions directly target organized labor and federal employment structures, raising significant concerns about the future of workers’ rights.
Unprecedented firing and immediate impact
On January 27, 2025, President Trump dismissed Gwynne Wilcox, a prominent National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member and the first Black woman to serve on the board. Wilcox’s removal has been described as both unprecedented and illegal, and she has announced plans to challenge the decision in court (see page 7). No other president has ever attempted to undermine the Board’s activities with such a targeted and personal attack against someone who has dedicated her career to advocating for working families.
Alterations to labor laws and worker protections
The new administration’s agenda seeks to decentralize labor regulations by allowing states to obtain waivers from federal labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. This decentralization could result in a patchwork of labor standards, potentially weakening worker protections in states that opt for less stringent regulations.
Additionally, Project 2025 aims to eliminate Project Labor Agreements and repeal the Davis-Bacon Act, both of which ensure fair wages on federally funded projects. The removal of these provisions could lead to lower wages and reduced benefits for workers involved in public infrastructure projects.
On February 14, 2025, NLRB Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen rescinded a series of memoranda issued by his predecessor, Jennifer Abruzzo. These rescinded policies covered critical issues such as remedies for labor violations, rights of college athletes, restrictive covenants, and union recognition. This move effectively reshapes federal labor law and signals a drastic shift in the NLRB’s policy direction under the Trump administration.
Reclassification of the federal workforce
A central component of Project 2025 is the reclassification of tens of thousands of federal civil service positions into political appointments. This strategy aims to replace long-standing civil servants with individuals aligned with the administration’s agenda, consolidating executive control over federal agencies.
The reinstatement of Schedule F job classification facilitates this transition by allowing the dismissal of employees in policy-related roles without the standard civil service protections. Critics argue that this move undermines the merit-based, apolitical nature of the civil service, potentially creating a workforce driven by political loyalty rather than expertise.
Facilitating employer control over unions
Project 2025 also includes provisions that would give employers greater power to weaken union activities. For example, it proposes making it easier for employers to discipline or terminate workers engaged in collective action or organizing efforts. Furthermore, it suggests allowing employers to establish company-controlled employee organizations as alternatives to independent unions, effectively diluting workers’ collective bargaining power.
These measures could significantly deter unionization efforts and erode existing unions, shifting the balance of power further in favor of employers.
Legal and political challenges
The implementation of these policies has sparked legal and political challenges. Federal employee unions and labor advocates have filed lawsuits contesting the legality of reclassifying civil service positions and undermining collective bargaining rights. These legal battles underscore the contentious nature of the administration’s approach to labor relations and highlight the broader debate over the role of unions and worker protections in the modern economy.
What’s next
President Trump’s second term actions, guided by the principles of Project 2025, represent a concerted effort to restructure federal employment and labor relations. The reclassification of the federal workforce, weakening of public sector unions, and alterations to labor laws pose significant challenges to organized labor. As these policies unfold, their long-term impact on workers’ rights, union strength, and the balance of power between employers and employees will become increasingly evident, shaping the future landscape of labor relations in the United States.