Trump Shakes Up Labor Board with Double Firing
## The Break Room: Labor News Roundup

This week’s labor news brings a mix of setbacks and victories. President Trump’s actions cripple the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), while union membership nationally continues its decline. However, a new study highlights the positive impact of union membership on longevity, and a Minnesota strike ends with a hard-fought victory for workers.

Trump Paralyzes the NLRB

President Donald Trump’s unprecedented removal of NLRB Member Gwynne Wilcox has left the board without a quorum, effectively halting its ability to hear cases on unfair labor practices in the private sector. This move, which Wilcox plans to challenge, comes despite the supposed protection of NLRB members from presidential removal except for neglect or malfeasance. The action follows arguments by companies, including SpaceX, Starbucks, Amazon, and Trader Joe’s, that the restriction on firing NLRB members is unconstitutional. Trump also fired NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, a move more aligned with typical presidential transitions. Abruzzo, a strong advocate for workers’ rights, spearheaded initiatives such as banning mandatory anti-union meetings and advocating for the end of non-compete agreements. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler condemned these actions, stating they will embolden employers to violate workers’ rights. The firing of Abruzzo follows the pattern set in Trump’s first term, where Peter Robb, a key figure in the 1981 air traffic controllers’ strike, served as general counsel. Attorney Matt Bruenig, who publishes a newsletter on the NLRB, highlighted the inconsistencies in the termination letter sent to both Wilcox and Abruzzo.

National Union Membership Declines, Minnesota Shows Slight Increase

National union membership has fallen to a record low of 9.9%, a symbolic marker in labor’s long decline. This occurs despite the Biden administration’s pro-union stance and increased unionization petitions. However, Minnesota saw a slight uptick, with membership returning to 2022 levels at 14.2%. This contrast highlights the varying landscape of labor across the nation. The decrease in union membership mirrors the stagnation of wages in many sectors and a rise in economic inequality. Studies show union workers earn significantly more, and even non-union workers benefit in highly unionized industries.

Union Membership Linked to Increased Longevity

A University of Minnesota study reveals a strong correlation between union membership and lower mortality rates. The research, utilizing extensive longitudinal data, found that each additional year of union membership was associated with a 1.5% decrease in mortality risk after age 40. This underscores the benefits unions provide beyond higher wages, including comprehensive health insurance, paid time off, pensions, job security, and improved workplace safety.

Deer River Strike Ends in Victory, Sandstone Nurses Authorize Strike

After a 49-day strike, 70 workers at Essentia Health’s Deer River hospital secured a new contract. The agreement includes 12% across-the-board raises over three years, additional market adjustments, and increased bonuses. Meanwhile, nurses at Essentia’s Sandstone hospital overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike following stalled negotiations. The contrast between these two Essentia facilities highlights the ongoing struggle for fair wages and working conditions, especially when juxtaposed with the substantial bonuses received by Essentia’s executives, including CEO David Herman’s $1 million compensation in 2022 and 2023.

(Note: The repeated text blocks at the end of the original were removed as they were redundant. The author’s bio and publication information was also preserved but formatted for better readability.)

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