Labor groups, including the Solidarity Center and Global March Against Child Labour, have taken legal action against the Trump administration’s termination of international labor rights programs. The lawsuit challenges the abrupt cuts made by Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency” (Doge), arguing that these programs were authorized by Congress and that the secretary of labor lacks the authority to cancel the funds. The decision to cancel grants and contracts for programs aimed at improving labor conditions outside the US by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs has drawn criticism from various groups, including the AFL-CIO and the American Apparel & Footwear Association.

The cuts, totaling about $577 million, were labeled as “America last” programs by Doge, affecting initiatives such as worker empowerment in South America and improving workers’ rights in countries like Honduras and Guatemala. Critics argue that these cuts will harm American workers and businesses by enabling labor and business standards degradation abroad. The abrupt termination of these programs is seen as wasteful and inefficient, disregarding bipartisan consensus on the importance of these initiatives.

The impact of these cuts extends to crucial programs aimed at enforcing trade agreements and preventing forced labor, such as the National Child Labor survey and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. The reduction in funding also affects organizations like the Solidarity Center, which plays a critical role in improving worker standards globally. The absence of support for these programs may lead to increased exploitation of workers in other countries and negatively impact American workers and consumers relying on global supply chains.