Shawn Fain, President of the United Automobile Workers (UAW) union, has sharply criticized a new executive order signed by President Trump, calling it a major attack on federal workers, unions, and even free speech.
In an interview with CBS News’ Major Garrett, airing Sunday on Face the Nation, Fain compared the move to the controversial firing of air traffic controllers in 1981, under then-President Ronald Reagan.
“This is 100 times worse than PATCO ever dreamed of being,” Fain said, referring to the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) strike. “You’re talking about 700,000 people, their contracts just being taken away.”
What Is the Executive Order About?
The executive order, signed Thursday, targets collective bargaining rights of federal employees — particularly those in national security-related agencies.
According to the Trump administration, unions have hindered the smooth functioning of these agencies. The order aims to stop or slow down union activities in:
- Department of Defense
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of State
- Department of Energy
- Department of the Treasury
- Department of Health and Human Services
But Fain argues that many of these workers have no direct link to national security, and the move is simply a way to weaken labor unions.
“Free Speech Is Under Attack”
Fain was blunt in his remarks, saying:
“Free speech is under attack. Unions are under attack.”
He pointed out that the current political climate seems more focused on helping billionaires than protecting the rights of working-class Americans.
“They [the billionaires] want more tax cuts for themselves. That’s not what works for America,” Fain stated. “It’s not good for the working-class people.”
What Are Workers Demanding?
Fain said workers are not asking to be rich — they simply want a decent quality of life. He listed four key needs that reflect what many union members are fighting for:
- Living wages
- Adequate health care
- Retirement security
- Work-life balance
“They want their fair share. They just want to live with dignity,” he said.
The Bigger Picture
This new executive order could affect hundreds of thousands of federal workers, weakening union power across several departments. While the Trump administration argues it’s for efficiency and national security, labor leaders believe it’s about silencing workers and removing their bargaining power.
Many see this as a part of a larger pattern of policies favoring wealthy elites and corporations, while ignoring the needs of ordinary workers.
As the political battle over labor rights heats up, Shawn Fain’s strong words reflect growing concerns among unions across the country. The executive order may only be the beginning of larger efforts to reshape labor relations in the federal sector.
For now, millions of workers and union supporters are watching closely, hoping that their rights to fair pay, healthcare, and basic dignity at work will not be stripped away in the name of politics or profit.