UAW files federal labor charges against Trump and Musk for intimidating workers

The United Auto Workers union has taken a bold step by filing federal labor charges against former President Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The charges stem from a conversation between the two where they discussed workers striking, prompting the UAW to take action.

This move is significant as the UAW recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 election and is also working to organize Tesla workers. The union accused Trump and Musk of attempting to intimidate and threaten workers who engage in protected concerted activity, such as strikes.

Trump’s comment about firing workers who go on strike raised red flags for the union, as it is illegal to threaten or actually fire workers for participating in strikes. Musk, who has endorsed Trump in the past, laughed at the comments but did not directly address them.

UAW president Shawn Fain condemned both Trump and Musk, accusing them of wanting working-class people to “sit down and shut up.” Musk did not respond to requests for comment, while a Trump campaign adviser dismissed the charges as a “frivolous lawsuit” and a political stunt.

The National Labor Relations Board will now decide whether to investigate the allegations and potentially impose penalties if violations are found. This story highlights the ongoing tensions between labor unions and corporate leaders, as well as the importance of protecting workers’ rights in the workplace.