Blog | Civil Rights

Leaked Executive Order Will Harm Workers’ Rights on the Job

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka issued the following statement in response to a leaked executive order from President Donald Trump's administration:

Credible news outlets now are reporting a potential far-reaching attack on working people everywhere under the guise of religious freedom. The leaked executive order draft constitutes nothing less than a license to discriminate against LGBTQ people, women and workers of minority faiths.

From hiring and firing to health benefits to safety and accommodations, this executive order would make life substantially more difficult for millions of workers and their families.

We were pleased to learn this week that President Barack Obama’s ban on discrimination by federal contractors would be left in place. But the language being reported threatens to wipe out that measure and more. We strongly oppose this unconstitutional action, and should it ever see the light of day, we will do everything in our power to overturn it.

In these difficult times, we also invite those who are being targeted to join the ranks of our unions and secure the single best protection from discrimination available—a collective bargaining agreement.

Explore the Issue