US Labor Protections on Life Support Under Trump
In a concerning development, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces workplace anti-harassment laws, has voted to significantly undermine its own authority. This decision marks another instance of President Donald Trump's administration rolling back labor protections.
Under the new guidelines, the EEOC will no longer provide clear guidance on what constitutes harassment in the workplace. This move is likely to leave millions of workers vulnerable to abuse and intimidation at work.
The EEOC received over 88,000 discrimination charges last year, with a significant portion citing harassment. However, in a previous move in 2025, the commission watered down its guidelines on harassment by removing sections related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
This latest decision will further erode protections for workers from diverse backgrounds. The EEOC's chair, Andrea Lucas, has used the "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" mantra to target schools, universities, and law firms, raising concerns about her true intentions.
The effects of workplace harassment can be devastating, not only for individual workers but also for businesses as a whole. Low morale and employee turnover can result in significant financial losses, estimated at over $1 trillion annually. According to a 2007 study, the US loses an estimated $64 billion each year due to workplace unfairness.
However, workplace harassment is often underreported, with only about one-quarter of female employees reporting experiences of sexual harassment. The process of filing a complaint can be daunting, leading many workers to leave their jobs rather than navigate a complex legal system.
Transgender Americans are already feeling the pinch of this new policy, as the EEOC has abandoned its pending cases and refuses to process new charges citing discrimination on the basis of gender identity. This decision is a blatant disregard for existing federal law and sets a worrying precedent for other vulnerable groups.
As workplace harassment becomes increasingly prevalent, it's essential that state departments of labor update their anti-harassment policies and training to fill the void left by the EEOC. Congress must also consider passing the Equality Act, which would provide explicit protections for LGBTQ+ individuals under US civil rights laws.
The impact of this decision will be felt far beyond transgender workers, affecting people of color, women, disabled workers, and others who are already facing significant barriers to equality in the workplace. It's essential that Americans raise their voices against these policies and demand action from lawmakers to protect workers' rights.
In a concerning development, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces workplace anti-harassment laws, has voted to significantly undermine its own authority. This decision marks another instance of President Donald Trump's administration rolling back labor protections.
Under the new guidelines, the EEOC will no longer provide clear guidance on what constitutes harassment in the workplace. This move is likely to leave millions of workers vulnerable to abuse and intimidation at work.
The EEOC received over 88,000 discrimination charges last year, with a significant portion citing harassment. However, in a previous move in 2025, the commission watered down its guidelines on harassment by removing sections related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
This latest decision will further erode protections for workers from diverse backgrounds. The EEOC's chair, Andrea Lucas, has used the "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" mantra to target schools, universities, and law firms, raising concerns about her true intentions.
The effects of workplace harassment can be devastating, not only for individual workers but also for businesses as a whole. Low morale and employee turnover can result in significant financial losses, estimated at over $1 trillion annually. According to a 2007 study, the US loses an estimated $64 billion each year due to workplace unfairness.
However, workplace harassment is often underreported, with only about one-quarter of female employees reporting experiences of sexual harassment. The process of filing a complaint can be daunting, leading many workers to leave their jobs rather than navigate a complex legal system.
Transgender Americans are already feeling the pinch of this new policy, as the EEOC has abandoned its pending cases and refuses to process new charges citing discrimination on the basis of gender identity. This decision is a blatant disregard for existing federal law and sets a worrying precedent for other vulnerable groups.
As workplace harassment becomes increasingly prevalent, it's essential that state departments of labor update their anti-harassment policies and training to fill the void left by the EEOC. Congress must also consider passing the Equality Act, which would provide explicit protections for LGBTQ+ individuals under US civil rights laws.
The impact of this decision will be felt far beyond transgender workers, affecting people of color, women, disabled workers, and others who are already facing significant barriers to equality in the workplace. It's essential that Americans raise their voices against these policies and demand action from lawmakers to protect workers' rights.