Workers Union Files Lawsuit Against Donald Trump and Elon Musk
Author:
Scott Lawson
A US worker union has filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump and business magnate Elon Musk, claiming that their recent online conversation amounted to worker intimidation and violated federal labour laws.
The lawsuit against Donald Trump and Elon Must was filed with the National Labor Relations Board ? rawpixel, 123RF Free Images
The organisation behind the lawsuit is the United Auto Workers (UAW), officially known as the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. It represents more than a million US workers, including thousands of casino sector employees.
The lawsuit stems from an X Spaces conversation between the two billionaires on Monday evening. During the conversation, Trump appeared to applaud Musk’s firing of Twitter employees who had threatened to strike after he took over the company.
I look at what you do. You walk in, you say, ‘You want to quit?’ They go on strike, I won’t mention the name of the company, but they go on strike, and you say, ‘That’s okay, you’re all gone. You’re all gone. So, every one of you is gone.’– Donald Trump to Elon Musk
UAW President Shawn Fain announced that the lawsuit has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Tuesday morning. He also condemned their remarks as disgusting, illegal, and totally predictable.
The UAW claims that Trump and Musk’s comments, made in a public forum, have created a hostile environment for workers and could discourage them from exercising their right to organise and strike.
The lawsuit is likely to further heighten tensions between organised labour and prominent figures on the political right, particularly in the run-up to the 2024 US election. It also highlights the growing role of social media in labour disputes, as online platforms increasingly become battlegrounds for public opinion and legal battles.
In response to the lawsuit, Elon Musk took to his own platform X and accused Fain of potential corruption. He drew parallels with past UAW presidents who have faced legal charges. However, neither Trump nor his legal representatives have issued a formal statement on the matter.
The UAW is seeking unspecified damages and injunctive relief from the NLRB. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for labour relations in the US, particularly within the gaming industry, where union representation is widespread.
