Michael VanDervort and labor attorney John Hyman deliver a no‑BS briefing on the latest twists in federal labor policy. They expose how executive orders weaponize inclusion, why agency quorums stall union elections, and what employers must do to stay compliant—and not look foolish doing it.
In this episode we talk about DEI rollbacks, labor law enforcement, agency quorum battles, union organizing momentum, and First Amendment risks—all through the lens of today’s exec orders and acting General Counsels.
John breaks down complex labor rules into real‑world tactics—no legalese allowed.
Key Takeaways
Political theater isn’t law — DEI attacks exploit fear, not statute. Employers must separate illegal quotas from bona fide inclusion efforts.
No quorum, no action — With the NLRB and EEOC missing members, union elections stall and guidance freezes, giving acting GCs de facto control.
Collective action is the ultimate lever — When formal channels freeze, workers turn to grassroots organizing. Leaders ignoring that risk surprise walk‑outs.
First Amendment alarm bells — Threatening law firms over policy critiques undermines free speech and the integrity of legal advice.
Trans rights at the EEOC — Policy by press release adds confusion; companies need clear, written guidance or risk liability.
Corporate DEI as a union magnet — Retail giants’ public fights over inclusion fuel organizing drives in the break rooms.
Tariffs & labor alliances — Trade policy shifts can realign labor’s priorities; HR pros must track the intersection of manufacturing and organizing.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome, Q1 brag & Phil Wilson’s Amazon launch
02:16 DEI under siege: quotas vs. affinity groups
06:01 Exec orders’ ripple effects beyond contractors
07:57 Costco vs. Target: DEI fueling union chatter
11:05 NLRB/EEOC quorum crisis & acting GCs
14:03 Transgender rights by press release
16:45 Union elections on ice without quorum
17:56 Tariffs, manufacturing & new labor alliances
20:41 First Amendment at risk: White House vs. law firms
25:58 Detention policies & due‑process outrage
28:11 Why protest power never goes out of style
Guest Info
Michael VandDervort: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvandervort/
John Hyman: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhyman/
Website: https://drivethruhr.online/
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