Concerns Over Elon Musk's Potential Access to Whistleblower Files

Labor leaders and former officials from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are expressing concerns about the potential for Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access sensitive whistleblower information. Musk, who holds a special government employee position in the Trump administration, is linked to companies like SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Company, which have over 50 open workplace health and safety cases with OSHA. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is currently suing the Trump administration over DOGE's access to Department of Labor records, fearing that Musk's influence could lead to the exposure of whistleblower identities.

The AFL-CIO's memo highlights numerous safety issues and accidents reported at Musk's companies, including incidents involving severe injuries and fatalities. These concerns are compounded by the fact that DOGE operatives have been working within the Department of Labor since March 18, raising alarms about potential access to confidential databases.

Despite the lack of public evidence that Musk or DOGE has accessed OSHA's confidential files, the possibility remains troubling for labor leaders. Former OSHA officials emphasize that companies under investigation should not have access to the agency's internal files, as it could lead to retaliation against whistleblowers.

The AFL-CIO's lawsuit against the Trump administration underscores the broader concerns about the future of OSHA under current leadership. The potential for DOGE to cancel OSHA office leases and orchestrate budget cuts adds to the uncertainty surrounding the agency's ability to protect worker safety.

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