United Auto Workers files federal labour charges against Trump, Musk

The United Auto Workers alleges both men threatened workers who participate in protected labour activity, such as strikes, during their conversation on social-media platform X.

Donald Trump was interviewed by Elon Musk live on X.

The United Auto Workers has filed federal labour charges against former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, alleging they attempted to intimidate workers during their conversation on Mr Musk’s social-media platform X.

The UAW, one of the country’s largest unions, filed charges of unfair labour practices Tuesday, alleging that both men threatened workers who participate in protected labour activity, such as strikes.

Mr Trump made the remarks Monday night local time (Tuesday AEST) in a conversation with Mr Musk that was broadcast on X.

“I mean, I look at what you do,” Mr Trump said during his conversation with Mr Musk. “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 OK, you’re all gone. You’re all gone. So, every one of you is gone.” Representatives for Mr Musk and the Trump campaign didn’t respond to requests for comment.

The logo of the United Auto Workers union (UAW) at the General Motors Factory in Detroit, Michigan. Picture: AFP.

Federal labour laws give job-protections to striking workers. Employees conducting lawful strikes for economic reasons such as higher wages can’t be discharged by their employers, but they can be replaced by their employer under certain circumstances, according to the National Labor Relations Board.

“When we say Mr Trump stands against everything our union stands for, this is what we mean,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.

The UAW endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign last month.

The UAW filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board against Mr Musk as a representative of Tesla, an electric-vehicle maker that the union has for years been trying to organise workers.

“The last two UAW presidents went to prison for bribery & corruption and, based on recent news, it looks like this guy will join them!,” Mr Musk said on X Tuesday.

Mr Musk has previously disagreed with the idea of unions. Speaking at a conference last year, Mr Musk said unions “try to create negativity in a company, and create a sort of lords and peasants situation.” “If Tesla gets unionised, it will be because we deserved it and we failed in some way,” Mr Musk said. “But we certainly try hard to ensure the prosperity of everyone.”

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