AFSCME President denounces Elon Musk's threat to Department of Labor

Controversy Surrounds Elon Musk's Alleged Plans Involving the Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – A wave of protests erupted as workers voiced their concerns over Elon Musk's rumored intentions towards the Department of Labor. The outcry stems from fears that the move could negatively impact workers' rights and protections.

Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), articulated the unease with a strongly-worded statement. He remarked, “It’s not surprising that Elon Musk has ordered his DOGE cronies to storm the Department of Labor next. He has always seen working people as a threat.”

Saunders' statement highlighted Musk's contentious history with labor rights, referencing incidents of union opposition at Tesla and increasing worker injuries at SpaceX. The AFSCME President accused Musk of perceiving his employees as disposable and expressed concern over a potential nationwide impact.

The Department of Labor plays a crucial role in safeguarding worker interests, tackling issues ranging from wage theft to enforcing laws on overtime and whistleblower protection. Saunders emphasized the risks involved if sensitive data were placed under the influence of what he described as an "un-elected billionaire." He stated, “People's sensitive data should not be put at risk on the whims of an un-elected billionaire who has been given unchecked power.”

In response to these developments, AFSCME has joined a legal challenge aimed at preventing DOGE from accessing Department of Labor information. Saunders concluded with a call to action, asserting, “Musk can try to rob us of our freedoms, but he’ll have to go through unions and working people first.”