Jackson, Mich. – On Monday, labor leaders and workers gathered at Withington Park in Jackson to protest recent federal actions that they argue undermine workers’ rights. The rally, organized in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting collective bargaining rights for federal workers, highlighted the growing concerns over labor protections under the current administration.
The executive order, which was temporarily blocked by a federal judge just last week, ended collective bargaining rights for many unions representing federal workers. Although the order is on hold, organizers at Monday’s event emphasized that it signals a broader attack on unions and the rights of working people across the country.
Demonstrators marched to U.S. Representative Tim Walberg’s office, carrying a symbolic casket that represented the loss of workers’ lives, voices, and dignity. The protestors also framed the issue as a loss of human rights for thousands of laborers in Mid-Michigan and beyond.
Attendees at the rally voiced concern that the president’s order would have far-reaching consequences, not just for unions but for vital services like social security, medical care, and veterans’ aid. Several workers in attendance expressed their belief that the attack on unions would have a direct impact on the U.S. military as well, as federal employees are often integral to military operations and services.
Ian Robinson, president of the Huron Valley Area Labor Federation, took the stage to address the importance of union protection in preventing workplace accidents and safeguarding workers from occupational diseases. Robinson spoke passionately about the lives lost due to unsafe working conditions, particularly in industries where state and federal unions offer protections against harmful exposures.
“He’s refused to defend the constitution of the United States against an unparalleled power grab by the executive branch and Donald Trump in particular,” Robinson said, referring to President Trump’s executive actions. “We’re going to have to pick up the slack as the unions and especially federal ones lose resources because of these attacks and can’t support us, the volunteers, with the kind of staff that we used to be able to count on.”
The rally’s organizers and participants made clear that they will continue to fight for workers’ rights, with the hope that public pressure will push lawmakers like Walberg to take action on behalf of labor groups. Despite the temporary setback with the judge’s ruling, they see this as only the beginning of a larger battle to protect workers and the vital services they provide.
As labor groups across the country prepare for future mobilizations, the message from Jackson was clear: Unions will continue to stand against policies they believe undermine the safety, dignity, and rights of working people everywhere.
