Heidi Shierholz, President of the Economic Policy Institute and former Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the erosion of worker protections under the Trump administration, the manipulation of economic data and the importance of unions in today’s economy.
Shierholz offered examples of Trump policies she described as “anti-worker,” including the removal of minimum wage increases for low-wage federal contract workers and the potential dismantling of the National Labor Relations Board. She highlighted how Trump’s pro-worker rhetoric contradicts his actions, which she said have consistently favored employers and shareholders over workers. Shierholz also clarified misconceptions about Trump’s proposed tax exemptions on overtime and tips, explaining that the benefits to workers are far less than advertised and could lead to lower base wages.
Union Workforce Podcast
October 21, 2025
More than $1.5 billion in stolen wages were recovered for workers between 2021 and 2023 thanks to federal, state and local efforts to combat wage-theft, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
Public News Service
October 21, 2025
According to the Economic Policy Institute, “For Black Americans, public sector employment has historically provided a pathway to better, more equitable job …[paywall].
Boston Globe
October 21, 2025
There are about 11,000 federal workers who live in Sacramento County, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
Sacramento Bee
October 21, 2025
Back in 1965, the average U.S. CEO made just 21 times more than the typical worker.
By 2024, that number had exploded to 281:1 across the top 350 U.S. firms, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).
“From 1978 to 2024, CEO compensation rose more than 1,000%, while typical worker pay grew only 26%,” said EPI economist Josh Bivens. “That’s not productivity—it’s power.”
CEO Today
October 21, 2025
Child care remains unaffordable for many, with the Economic Policy Institute putting the lowest cost per year of child care at just under $7,000, and the most at nearly $30,000.
In Business Madison
October 21, 2025
Economic Policy Institute, told the Times. “There’s been such a rapid shift in policy, rather than something cyclical or structural about the economy.”
Inc.
October 21, 2025
“There are already multiple avenues under federal law that allow for lower minimum wages for student learners and apprentices,” Nina Mast, an economic analyst for the Economic Policy Institute, previously told Orlando Weekly. “But this Florida bill really massively expands those classifications,” she said, speaking of Chamberlin’s earlier bill.
“I think that the concern is that it creates an opportunity for exploitation and to essentially find a rationale to pay basically anyone the lower minimum wage by characterizing your work as work-based learning,” Mast added.
Orlando Weekly
October 21, 2025
A Tale of Two Quintiles
The bottom fifth’s share of aggregate weekly wages has risen over the last two years, while the top fifth’s has fallen
Source: Economic Policy Institute, author’s analysis
Note: 12-month moving average, adjusted for annual population controls.
Bloomberg
October 21, 2025
The Economic Policy Institute recently found that Black women’s labor-force participation has declined faster than any other demographic group in 2025, particularly among middle-income professionals.
MinneapoliMedia
October 21, 2025