Project 2025 would erode labor rights and roll back child labor laws

Project 2025 would erode labor rights and roll back child labor laws  KALW

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Oct 12, 2024 - 06:30
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Project 2025 would erode labor rights and roll back child labor laws

Project 2025: Implications for Workers, Labor Rights, and Unionization

On this edition of Your Call, we are continuing our series on Project 2025, focusing on the implications of this rightwing roadmap for workers, labor rights, and the right to unionize.

Despite Donald Trump’s claims of being pro-worker, his first four years as president were marked by anti-worker and anti-union policies. The National Labor Board Relations members he appointed made it more difficult for unions to win representation at nonunion workplaces. Additionally, the Trump Supreme Court issued a devastating ruling against public sector unions, making it easier for government employees nationwide to opt out of paying union dues, even if their workplace is unionized, as reported by CNN.

A potential second Trump administration under Project 2025 could exacerbate these issues. The roadmap includes provisions to cut overtime pay for millions of workers and suggests the consideration of eliminating public sector unions altogether. Furthermore, it proposes rolling back workplace safety laws, including those that protect children.

Guests:

  • Elena Lopez, Deputy Legislative Director for the Communications Workers of America
  • Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the AFL-CIO

Resources:

  1. The Nation: Millions of Workers Are Due More Overtime Pay. Will They Get It?
  2. Center For American Program: Project 2025 Would Exploit Child Labor by Allowing Minors To Work in Dangerous Conditions With Fewer Protections
  3. The American Prospect: The Conservative Astroturf Organization Rolling Back Child Labor Protections
  4. The Guardian: Trump claims he’s pro-worker. Project 2025 will gut labor rights

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article are related to workers’ rights, labor rights, and the right to unionize. These issues are connected to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Additionally, the article mentions the negative impact on unions and workers’ rights, which aligns with SDG 10, aiming to reduce inequalities. Lastly, the article discusses the potential rollbacks of workplace safety laws, which are essential for achieving SDG 16, promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
  • SDG 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
  • SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are SDG 8.5, which emphasizes achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all, including equal pay, and SDG 10.4, which focuses on adopting policies to achieve greater equality. Additionally, SDG 16.3, promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice, is relevant to the discussion on labor rights and workplace safety.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
  • Indicator 10.4.1: Labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection transfers.
  • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards those targets. Indicator 8.5.1 measures the average hourly earnings of employees, which can help assess progress in achieving equal pay for work of equal value. Indicator 10.4.1 measures the labor share of GDP, which can indicate progress in reducing inequalities. Indicator 16.3.1 measures the proportion of victims of violence who report their victimization, which can reflect progress in ensuring equal access to justice and addressing labor rights violations.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality. Indicator 10.4.1: Labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection transfers.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.

Source: kalw.org