what’s the real reason O’Brien was inspired to support Trump?

[510cdl]

https://www.thedailyreview.com/ap/state/ems-worker-petitions-to-dismiss-teamsters-representation/article_6060657e-ebb7-4d86-a2d8-4eacb0053f4e.html

from the piece: “It was Republican congressional support guaranteeing sick leave for unionized rail workers, however, that inspired O’Brien to endorse Trump…”




Republican support in Congress for guaranteeing paid sick leave for unionized rail workers was limited. In the House of Representatives, only three Republicans—Reps. Don Bacon (Neb.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), and John Katko (N.Y.)—joined Democrats in passing a measure to provide rail workers with seven days of paid sick leave, with the vote resulting in a narrow 221-207 majority This measure was separate from the main strike-averting resolution, which passed with broader Republican backing (79 Republicans voting in favor)




In the Senate, the proposal to add seven days of paid sick leave failed to overcome the 60-vote threshold required to advance, despite support from six Republican senators: Mike Braun (Ind.), Ted Cruz (Texas), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Josh Hawley (Mo.), John Kennedy (La.), and Marco Rubio (Fla.) The final vote was 52-43, with 42 Republicans opposing the measure Notably, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), who had initially suggested there might be "significant" Republican support for the amendment, later reversed his position and opposed congressional intervention in the labor agreement Overall, Republican opposition centered on the argument that Congress should not renegotiate a collective bargaining agreement already reached between labor and management


It is clear that Republicans do not support guaranteed sick leave for unionized rail workers, anymore than so-called leftist Democrats like Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, and AOC, all DSA members incidentally.

What’s the real reason O’Brien was inspired?

[510cdl]

To put it another way, if neither of the two major parties or the bosses are on the side of workers, what should workers and union members do? What should the elected officials of unions like ours be doing?

[JWebb]

One thing we shouldn't do: lobby for years to get help to save our fucked up pensions then turn our back on the party that saved them and support the party that voted against us (and for good measure wants to kill us).

[510cdl]

What if there was a worker’s political party - with working people’s interests being the focus, like pensions (which last I looked, roughly 1/3 of the rest of the workers of the world have). There’s many other issues, like safety - look at East Palestine or other sacrifice zones - why are the residents not made whole with all healthcare they need and relocation? There are so many issues like this that bosses and the politicians and Wall St. speculators just write off as impossible or unworthy of even debating.

[510cdl]

What if there was a worker’s political party - with working people’s interests being the focus, like pensions (which last I looked, roughly 1/3 of the rest of the workers of the world have). There’s many other issues, like safety - look at East Palestine or other sacrifice zones - why are the residents not made whole with all healthcare they need and relocation? There are so many issues like this that bosses and the politicians and Wall St. speculators just write off as impossible or unworthy of even debating.

here’s some quick stats



Data on defined benefit (DB) plan participation in industrialized countries outside the U.S. is limited and often not directly comparable due to structural differences in pension systems. However, key comparisons can be drawn:




- In the **Netherlands**, occupational pensions are widespread and mandatory for many sectors, with a large portion of workers covered by defined benefit or hybrid plans. The Dutch system is considered one of the most robust globally, with high participation rates—**over 80% of workers** in certain industries have occupational pension coverage, much of it DB-based.




- In **Germany**, while the public pay-as-you-go system is dominant, occupational pensions exist but play a smaller role. DB plans are present but less common than in the past, with participation estimated at **around 40–50% of private sector workers**, though many are hybrid or contribution-based.




- In the **UK**, defined benefit schemes have declined significantly. As of recent data, only about **5–7% of private sector workers** are in DB plans, compared to over 60% in the 1990s. Public sector workers still have higher DB coverage, around **75–80%**.




- In **Sweden and Denmark**, defined contribution (DC) plans dominate the supplementary pension system, with minimal DB coverage in the private sector.




### Ratio Comparison

Using U.S. private sector DB participation (11%) as a baseline:

- **Netherlands**: ~80% → **Ratio: ~7:1** (Netherlands to U.S.)

- **UK (private sector)**: ~6% → **Ratio: ~0.5:1**

- **Germany**: ~45% → **Ratio: ~4:1**




Thus, DB coverage is **higher in the Netherlands and Germany**, but **lower in the UK** compared to the U.S. private sector.

[JWebb]

I think what your talking about is some kind of Labor Party. A great idea that's been attempted in the US without success. It's a great idea but almost impossible to accomplish because of the stranglhold the two major parties have on the system. To qualify your party has to have Ballot access and the election laws and the laws that determine whether or not your a party vary from State to State. The two major parties have passed state laws to make it difficult for anyone else to play the game.

[510cdl]

I think what your talking about is some kind of Labor Party. A great idea that's been attempted in the US without success. It's a great idea but almost impossible to accomplish because of the stranglhold the two major parties have on the system. To qualify your party has to have Ballot access and the election laws and the laws that determine whether or not your a party vary from State to State. The two major parties have passed state laws to make it difficult for anyone else to play the game.

The "i" in D.R.I.V.E. stands for independent.


As of August 2025, among registered voters in states that report party affiliation:

- Democrats make up 36.9% (44.1 million),
- Republicans account for 31.3% (37.4 million),
- Independents (no party preference/undeclared) represent 28.8% (34.3 million).

Democrats are the largest group, followed by Republicans, with independents forming a significant third bloc.

If the Teamsters alone would promote the formation of a Labor Party, using the millions in dues money they are sitting on, in the current political climate, to address issues we all agree on like pensions, repeal of Taft Hartley, etc., there would be huge support.

Giving in to the stranglehold of the two parties of the bankers and billionaires will never gain anything substantial for all of us who work our asses off day after day. Let's put our money where our otherwise tough-talking mouths are, and put an end to the attacks against our rights and livelihoods. Let's raise the bar.

Anyway, we are now dealing with what is arguably an illegitimate Supreme Court in light of their ruling that jeopardizes Fourth Amendment rights. The NLRB was toothless before Trump fired Wilcox and the board was no longer able to reach quorum. As useless as OSHA has been, if its totally scrapped, we are screwed. The threads we were grasping to assert our rights as union members and workers and US citizens are disintegrating.

When do we say enough is enough?