Following the former president’s call for the dismissal of striking workers during an interview on X, the United Auto Workers lodged an unfair labor practice charge against the Trump campaign and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, on Tuesday.
At one point during their discussion on Monday, Trump told Musk—who also owns the social media platform—,”That’s OK, you’re all gone.” He didn’t specify which company was involved, but he did add that when workers went on strike, Trump responded favorably. You’re all missing now. It appears that all of you have departed.
A breach of the National Labor Relations Act occurs when an employer fires or threatens to fire an employee who is on strike. Trump made these remarks as part of his attempt to win over regular union members, even though the majority of big unions, including the UAW, have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris since President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the campaign.
In order to determine if the UAW’s complaint has merit, the NLRB must conduct an investigation. Even before the National Labor Relations Board takes enforcement action against SpaceX, Musk is already embroiled in a legal battle with it in federal court.
In his much-anticipated chat with Musk, the former president went on a number of tirades, including the ones mentioned above.
In response, UAW President Shawn Fain attacked Trump, calling him a “scab” for aligning with Musk, who is donating to a super PAC that backs Trump’s presidential campaign.
“Trump and Musk blatantly mock the working class by telling them to be quiet. “It’s absolutely expected from these two clowns, and it’s also disgusting and illegal,” Fain remarked.
Like Fain and other union officials, Trump has criticized them, urging union members to reject them and elect him again.
In response to the UAW’s grievance, neither Musk nor the Trump campaign offered a quick statement.
