- US trade union files complaint against Trump and Musk
Following a live conversation between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, one of the most influential U.S. labor unions has filed a federal labor complaint. The two "disgraced billionaires" reportedly discussed the "illegal firing of striking workers" during their Monday evening (local time) broadcast, which was watched by over a million viewers, according to a statement from United Auto Workers (UAW).
The union specifically cited Trump's remarks to Musk, where he said, "If they're striking, you say: That's okay, then you're all gone. You're all gone. Every one of you is gone." Musk responded with laughter. Tesla employees in the U.S. are not unionized, as the world's current wealthiest person, according to Forbes, deems it "decidedly unnecessary."
"Both Trump and Musk want workers to sit down and shut up, and they're openly laughing about it," commented UAW President Shawn Fain. "That's disgusting, illegal, and completely predictable from these two clowns." UAW represents over 400,000 active members in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, predominantly from the automotive industry. Politically, the union traditionally supports Democrats. In late July, it endorsed the party's presidential candidate, Kamala Harris.
In the U.S., the right to strike is protected at the federal level, making it illegal to fire or intimidate employees who threaten to strike. Whether the UAW complaint will be investigated is up to the National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency responsible for enforcing labor laws. If an investigation is launched and a violation is found, penalties may be imposed.
The Trade Union, in this case, the United Auto Workers (UAW), has expressed concern over Elon Musk and Donald Trump's discussion about striking workers. The UAW believes that their remarks encouraging the illegal firing of striking workers are both disgusting and illegal.
