MLK’s Dream vs. Trump-Era Policies: Advancing Workers’ Rights in 2025

This week, we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by reflecting on and honoring the enduring legacy of a visionary who believed in a world where justice and equality are within reach for all. His life and work symbolize the promise of a better world. As we honor his vision, we are reminded that the fight for justice is far from over.

Today, we find ourselves grappling with the harsh reality of an administration that threatens to undo the progress made by the Civil Rights movement and the countless advancements made toward justice. The policies the Trump administration supports undermine workers’ rights, immigrant rights, racial and economic justice, and our shared vision of a more equitable society.

In these challenging times, we must ground ourselves in a vital truth: the power of communities and working people grows from our collective commitment to one another. We are not alone in this fight. Together, millions of workers, families, activists, elected officials, and organizations are united by a common vision—a vision of systemic, lasting change.

As we move into 2025, the National Employment Law Project (NELP) is more determined than ever to rise to the moment. We will lead bold initiatives to:

•      Strengthen Local Democracy to Protect Workers’ Rights
•      Deepen Movement Infrastructure to Support Worker Organizing
•      Secure Worker Protections for Economic Resilience

Our 2025 Policy and Advocacy Agenda, Stronger Together as We Move Forward, lays out the specifics of how we plan to push for systemic change and hold accountable those who attempt to obstruct justice. We invite you to read our agenda and also bookmark our Worker Policy Watch, a vital resource that exposes harmful federal policies and highlights threats to workers’ rights. This dashboard is part of NELP’s ongoing commitment to building a good-jobs economy.

As the Trump administration continues to threaten the progress made in environmental protection, public health, and workers’ rights, states have a critical role to play by enacting into law the Biden-era policies that are currently being blocked by the courts. Our policy brief, Quick Fixes to Lock in Wins for Workers: How States Can Preserve New Federal Protections, co-authored with NYU Wagner Labor Initiative; Center for Labor and a Just Economy at Harvard Law School; American Economic Liberties Project; Towards Justice; and Economic Policy Institute, outlines key actions states can take to safeguard federal worker protections.

I am deeply grateful for the work we’ve accomplished together so far. Because of your commitment and dedication, NELP is ready to face the challenges ahead with determination, hope, and a clear vision of a good-jobs economy for all. The collective power we share is unstoppable when driven by purpose. Together, we will demand bold action for real, lasting change.

Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by rising to meet this moment—and making a better world a reality.

We invite you to subscribe and stay connected with NELP to learn more about our ongoing efforts and how you can take action.