These are challenging times for workers. The saying goes that if we don’t learn from history, we are bound to repeat it. To learn from it, we must first know it.
In January, the world marked the 80th anniversary of the Red Army’s liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp at the end of World War II. However, a recent survey revealed that two-thirds of Americans under 42 are unaware of this camp where over one million people, mostly Jewish, were murdered.
Societies do not start with death camps. It begins with actions like those seen today: demeaning others based on identity or origin, labeling differing views as state enemies, mocking disabled individuals, eliminating women’s rights, criminalizing protests, placing leaders above the law, and attacking unions and workers’ rights.
Retired Marine General John Kelly warned during the 2024 election that Donald Trump is essentially a fascist who prefers ruling as a dictator. Trump’s second term has confirmed these concerns for workers.
History shows fascism is an enemy of working people. Hitler banned trade unions and forced millions into slave labor. Behind Nazi slogans like “Make Germany Great Again,” over 85 million people died before fascism was defeated.
Solidarity remains crucial. Reverend Niemoller resisted Nazi control and left a powerful message about speaking up against oppression:
“First they came for the Communists… Then they came for me.”
At the 2018 APWU National Convention, delegates passed a resolution urging members to defend union rights and democratic freedoms against rising fascism.
Democratic rights include defending public services like the Postal Service, federal workers’ rights to unionize and bargain collectively, voting rights including Vote-by-Mail, asylum seekers’ rights, protest and dissent rights, due process, public education access, and free speech.
Workers are not powerless in these times. Regardless of political beliefs or voting habits, common ground can be found in resisting rising fascism through unity and solidarity among workers. Fighting back can help prevent repeating history’s devastating chapters under German-led world fascism.
