U.S. Labor Unions and the Donald Trump Administration: An Analysis of Their Positions on the Trade War with China During His First Term
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Abstract
In a geopolitical context of growing tensions between the United States and China with the return to power of Donald Trump, this paper aims to delve into the positions of U.S labor unions on the policy of increasing tariffs and the consequent trade war during his first administration. On this basis, the link between the unions and the Democratic and Republican political parties is explored, as well as their actions before the Executive and Legislative branches of government. The analysis is structured in three sections. First, there is a brief analysis of the situation of U.S. workers since the 2008 crisis and the emergence of new experiences of struggle, especially the influence and impact of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Then, the positions of the unions on the trade war with China are analyzed, specifically distinguishing the relationship with Trump. Finally, a specific section is devoted to identify the changes generated by the COVID'19 pandemic and the 2020 election campaign
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