Don’t Let Trump’s Cuts Destroy the Government That Works For You

32 snips

Feb 20, 2025

Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO and a champion for workers' rights, joins the discussion on the government’s troubling cuts targeting essential workers like mail carriers and food inspectors. She emphasizes how these layoffs could backfire, destabilizing crucial services. Stacey and Liz highlight the vital role of unions in protecting labor rights, especially in a shaky job market. They encourage activism and solidarity to defend workers, reminding us that collective power is essential in fighting against harmful policies.

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ANECDOTE

Government Workforce Strain

The U.S. population grew significantly while the federal workforce saw minimal increase.
This disproportionate growth creates strain, similar to a Starbucks serving a city's worth of extra customers with limited staff.

INSIGHT

Layoff Impact

The recent layoffs target probationary employees, including seasoned professionals in new roles.
These employees often possess crucial insights into how businesses skirt regulations.

INSIGHT

Privatization Goal

Republicans aim to privatize government services, selling the needs of American people to the lowest bidder.
A 1992 Heritage Foundation memo reveals this long-standing privatization goal.

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Another week, another Trump admin scheme to cripple the government—this time by targeting the very workers who keep it running, from food inspectors to mail carriers to those serving in our military. On today’s episode, Stacey breaks down Trump’s mass firing of probationary government employees and how these layoffs could soon ripple across entire sectors. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, joins to break down who’s being affected and why the blunt force tool Republicans are using in the name of efficiency, will backfire. Stacey and Liz talk about why unions matter more than ever in a shaky labor market and how we all need to stand up for workforce protections.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Learn & Do More:

If you have the time, read about labor history. One of Stacey’s favorites is: Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor by Steven Greenhouse. You can also watch a classic film on labor like Norma Rae starring Sally Field.
The reason unions exist is to advocate for workers and give them collective power. So if you’re aware of mistreatment at a workplace or people being taken advantage of, maybe it’s time to become an organizer—or simply help someone advocate for themselves. There is power in speaking up and helping others find support. To learn how to better lift up your voice, check out Unite & Win: The Workplace Organizer’s Handbook or visit workerorganizing.org. It’s designed for labor organizing, but the tips can help anyone.
If you have been impacted by the workforce reduction, join the AFL-CIO’s new campaign for workers and share your story at deptofpeoplewhowork.org
A special call to action: Visit VowForGirls.org to raise awareness, fund change, and help girls take control of their futures. Ending forced child marriages is an important but overlooked cause – this is a fate that 12 million girls across the world face every year.