While continuing to pursue its anti-union and pro-corporate agenda, the Federal administration recently rescinded multiple legal measures that addressed chronic problems with government contracting. The current administration rescinded Executive Order 14026, which established an adequate minimum wage for the millions of employees who work for a company contracting with the Federal government, Executive Order 14126, which promoted the use of responsible contractors by Federal agencies, and Executive Order 14119, which enhanced opportunities for employers that participate in legitimate apprenticeship programs. The Federal administration evidently rescinded these important legal measures to make it easier for low-road employers to obtain and retain government contracts – to the detriment of workplace safety, fundamental fairness, and the public interest. This additional roll back of rights and protections also means that the priorities and actions of the United States Department of Labor, much like those of the National Labor Relations Board and the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, continue to go in the wrong direction.

Unlike wealthy and powerful institutions, such as the ABC network and the law firms Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, organized labor still stands up for democracy – as much in the nation as in the workplace. The President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Traders, James Williams Jr., personifies the principled courage and tireless dedication that these tumultuous times require. Such leaders understand the connection between worker rights and civil liberties; in other words, they know that, if we tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against one person or group because of their identity or exercise of free speech rights, we jeopardize key civil rights and constitutional protections for everyone.

While challenging the sudden detention and ongoing attempt to deport Mahmoud Khalil – a Columbia University graduate student who is a legal permanent resident and married to an 8-months-pregnant United States citizen – Mr. Williams urged everyone to recognize the interrelationship of core rights and the need for solidarity in defense of them: “Some may think that if we keep our heads down, don’t cause trouble, and get out of the way, we’ll somehow stay under the Trump administration’s radar. This is a big mistake. I often think back to the striking air traffic controllers in 1981. Their union had endorsed President Ronald Reagan and hoped that would help them get a favorable outcome to their strike. Instead they were targeted and fired. Our opponents have an ideological commitment to ending the labor movement, and any efforts that allow them to stifle dissent and organizing have to be met with forceful pushback. You can’t be neutral on a moving train. Working people across our country should see Mr. Khalil’s detainment for what it is: an attempt to silence our voices, roll back our individual liberties and diminish our collective power. We must resist these attacks on our fundamental freedoms with every tool at our disposal. I believe this moment is a clarion call for the labor movement: We must stand up for Mahmoud Khalil.”