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Unions in the Trump Era: Navigating Tariffs, Free Trade, and Economic ShiftsAs Donald Trump’s second term begins in 2025, his economic agenda, centered on tariffs, deregulation, and a retreat from free trade, puts labor unions in a complex spot. While some policies align with union priorities, others threaten their gains. Here’s how unions are grappling with the new landscape.Tariffs: A Double-Edged Sword
Trump’s proposed tariffs, including 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and up to 60% on Chinese goods, aim to boost U.S. manufacturing. Unions like the United Steelworkers (USW) see potential. “Tariffs can protect jobs in steel and auto plants,” says USW president David McCall, citing 2018 tariffs that saved 1,400 jobs at an Ohio mill. The AFL-CIO estimates new tariffs could create 50,000 manufacturing jobs by 2027.But there’s a catch. Higher tariffs spike costs for raw materials and consumer goods, hitting unionized sectors like construction and retail. The Teamsters warn that pricier imports could raise shipping costs, squeezing truckers’ wages. Economists project a 0.5% GDP drop by 2026 due to tariff-driven inflation, per the Peterson Institute, which could dampen job growth.Free Trade Rollback: Union Wins, Global Risks
Trump’s pledge to renegotiate or exit trade deals like the USMCA appeals to unions that long criticized NAFTA for offshoring jobs. The United Auto Workers (UAW) credits the USMCA’s stricter labor rules for adding 10,000 auto jobs since 2020. A tougher stance on China could further curb outsourcing, a win for factory workers.Yet, abandoning global trade networks risks retaliation. Canada, a key U.S. trading partner, has hinted at counter-tariffs, which could hit unionized energy and agriculture workers. “We need trade, just not exploitative trade,” says Sara Nelson of the Association of Flight Attendants. Unions want a balanced approach, not isolationism.Deregulation and Labor Protections
Trump’s deregulatory push clashes with union priorities. His first term slashed OSHA inspections by 15%, per the Labor Department, and weakened overtime pay rules, affecting 8 million workers. Unions fear a second term could gut Biden-era gains, like the 2023 PRO Act expansion that eased organizing. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is already mobilizing to defend workplace safety standards.Still, some unions find common ground. The Building Trades unions back Trump’s plan to fast-track infrastructure permits, which could create 100,000 construction jobs, per the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. “We’ll work with anyone who builds,” says union leader Mark McManus.The Union Strategy
Unions are adapting with a mix of pragmatism and resistance: - Targeted Advocacy: The UAW is lobbying for tariff exemptions on auto parts to keep costs down while supporting domestic production.
- Grassroots Push: The SEIU is rallying members to protect labor laws, with 500,000 workers signing petitions by March 2025.
- Cross-Union Unity: The AFL-CIO is coordinating with global labor groups to counter trade war fallout, like potential EU tariffs.
What’s Next?
Unions face a tightrope. Tariffs and trade skepticism offer opportunities to revive manufacturing, but inflation and deregulation could erode worker protections. “We’re not cheerleaders for any administration,” says McCall. “We fight for our members.” With 14 million unionized workers and rising organizing drives—1.2 million joined unions since 2022, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics—unions have leverage. Their ability to shape Trump’s policies will test their resilience in a polarized economy.
Unions in the Trump Era: Navigating Tariffs, Free Trade, and Economic Shifts
As Donald Trump’s second term begins in 2025, his economic agenda, centered on tariffs, deregulation, and a retreat from free trade, puts labor unions in a complex spot. While some policies align with union priorities, others threaten their gains. Here’s how unions are grappling with the new landscape.
Tariffs: A Double-Edged Sword
Trump’s proposed tariffs, including 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and up to 60% on Chinese goods, aim to boost U.S. manufacturing. Unions like the United Steelworkers (USW) see potential. “Tariffs can protect jobs in steel and auto plants,” says USW president David McCall, citing 2018 tariffs that saved 1,400 jobs at an Ohio mill. The AFL-CIO estimates new tariffs could create 50,000 manufacturing jobs by 2027.
Trump’s proposed tariffs, including 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and up to 60% on Chinese goods, aim to boost U.S. manufacturing. Unions like the United Steelworkers (USW) see potential. “Tariffs can protect jobs in steel and auto plants,” says USW president David McCall, citing 2018 tariffs that saved 1,400 jobs at an Ohio mill. The AFL-CIO estimates new tariffs could create 50,000 manufacturing jobs by 2027.
But there’s a catch. Higher tariffs spike costs for raw materials and consumer goods, hitting unionized sectors like construction and retail. The Teamsters warn that pricier imports could raise shipping costs, squeezing truckers’ wages. Economists project a 0.5% GDP drop by 2026 due to tariff-driven inflation, per the Peterson Institute, which could dampen job growth.
Free Trade Rollback: Union Wins, Global Risks
Trump’s pledge to renegotiate or exit trade deals like the USMCA appeals to unions that long criticized NAFTA for offshoring jobs. The United Auto Workers (UAW) credits the USMCA’s stricter labor rules for adding 10,000 auto jobs since 2020. A tougher stance on China could further curb outsourcing, a win for factory workers.
Trump’s pledge to renegotiate or exit trade deals like the USMCA appeals to unions that long criticized NAFTA for offshoring jobs. The United Auto Workers (UAW) credits the USMCA’s stricter labor rules for adding 10,000 auto jobs since 2020. A tougher stance on China could further curb outsourcing, a win for factory workers.
Yet, abandoning global trade networks risks retaliation. Canada, a key U.S. trading partner, has hinted at counter-tariffs, which could hit unionized energy and agriculture workers. “We need trade, just not exploitative trade,” says Sara Nelson of the Association of Flight Attendants. Unions want a balanced approach, not isolationism.
Deregulation and Labor Protections
Trump’s deregulatory push clashes with union priorities. His first term slashed OSHA inspections by 15%, per the Labor Department, and weakened overtime pay rules, affecting 8 million workers. Unions fear a second term could gut Biden-era gains, like the 2023 PRO Act expansion that eased organizing. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is already mobilizing to defend workplace safety standards.
Trump’s deregulatory push clashes with union priorities. His first term slashed OSHA inspections by 15%, per the Labor Department, and weakened overtime pay rules, affecting 8 million workers. Unions fear a second term could gut Biden-era gains, like the 2023 PRO Act expansion that eased organizing. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is already mobilizing to defend workplace safety standards.
Still, some unions find common ground. The Building Trades unions back Trump’s plan to fast-track infrastructure permits, which could create 100,000 construction jobs, per the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. “We’ll work with anyone who builds,” says union leader Mark McManus.
The Union Strategy
Unions are adapting with a mix of pragmatism and resistance:
Unions are adapting with a mix of pragmatism and resistance:
- Targeted Advocacy: The UAW is lobbying for tariff exemptions on auto parts to keep costs down while supporting domestic production.
- Grassroots Push: The SEIU is rallying members to protect labor laws, with 500,000 workers signing petitions by March 2025.
- Cross-Union Unity: The AFL-CIO is coordinating with global labor groups to counter trade war fallout, like potential EU tariffs.
What’s Next?
Unions face a tightrope. Tariffs and trade skepticism offer opportunities to revive manufacturing, but inflation and deregulation could erode worker protections. “We’re not cheerleaders for any administration,” says McCall. “We fight for our members.” With 14 million unionized workers and rising organizing drives—1.2 million joined unions since 2022, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics—unions have leverage. Their ability to shape Trump’s policies will test their resilience in a polarized economy.
Unions face a tightrope. Tariffs and trade skepticism offer opportunities to revive manufacturing, but inflation and deregulation could erode worker protections. “We’re not cheerleaders for any administration,” says McCall. “We fight for our members.” With 14 million unionized workers and rising organizing drives—1.2 million joined unions since 2022, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics—unions have leverage. Their ability to shape Trump’s policies will test their resilience in a polarized economy.