Adam Dean at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) delves into a new EPI report that shows why President Donald Trump’s trade policy will not help U.S. Workers:

Summary: Tariffs do not automatically raise wages or create good jobs. While strong tariff policies can help preserve jobs in industries facing unfair competition, strong Unions are a prerequisite for tariffs to translate into widespread job and wage gains.

Why This Matters: Without Unions, corporate executives have no incentive to pass on the profits they’re gaining to their Workers. Only Unionized Workers can secure a fair share of tariff-driven profits, while most Non-Union Workers will be left behind. At the same time, the Trump Administration is pursuing unprecedented Union Busting that will drive Unionization rates even lower than they are today. Right now, only 16% of Auto Workers and 18% of Steel Workers are in Unions compared with 62% of Auto Workers and 50% of Steel Workers in 1983. Without strong Unions, tariffs simply funnel higher profits to corporate executives and shareholders. The potential benefits of tariffs will only be shared with Workers if they are combined with improved Labor Rights and stronger Labor Unions.

How To Fix It: Union leaders need to communicate this message to Members and Non-Union Workers: Trump’s tariffs will benefit businesses, not workers. Tariffs must be combined with pro-labor reforms and support for Unionization so Workers can have a voice in the workplace and in policymaking.

To Read The EPI Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Unions raise wages. Tariffs don’t: Why Trump’s trade policy won’t help U.S. workers | Economic Policy Institute