Two public statements from Presidential candidate Donald Trump are currently spreading on social media, which reveal his views on union wages, and about workers who strike for better wages and improved benefits:
“You go on strike? That’s ok, you’re all gone…”
In a recently broadcasted discussion with Elon Musk, Trump heaped praise on Musk for his alleged firing of striking workers. Despite the blatant illegality of such actions, Trump said “…I look at what you do. You walk in. You want to quit? Then 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. And you are the greatest…”
“I’m paying them too much… Same thing with the Unions…”
In a 2008 Fox News Interview, Trump decried union efforts to seek wage increases, by saying “I’m paying them too much. I mean, I’m paying some guys much more than I should be paying. You know why? Time. Same thing with the unions. They get a little increase, get another, another…” Trump went on to describe union desire for improved wages as an entitlement issue, by saying “They expect it. It’s the same thing with the unions. They get there little 5%. They get another 2%. They get another 3%, 4%. Then, all of a sudden, they’re making more money than the people that own the company.”
In contrast to Trump’s claims however, American Railroad CEOs are under no threat of seeing their compensation eclipsed by that of union workers. Here are some facts about their pay, According to the AFL-CIO’s recent Executive Paywatch Report:
CEO to worker pay ratios
Union Pacific – 113:1 (it previously was a 162:1 ratio)
CSX – 116:1 (it previously was a 186:1 ratio)
Norfolk Southern – 109:1 (it previously was a 140:1 ratio)
Highest-paid CEOs
Union Pacific – then CEO Lance Fritz made $15,552,576 in 2023
CSX – CEO Joe Hinrichs made $14,074,235 in 2023
Norfolk Southern – CEO Alan Shaw made $13,418,978 in 2023
The ATDA will begin its next round of National Bargaining on January 1, 2025.