AFL-CIO Sues to Block Elon Musk’s Access to Labor Department Data

The AFL-CIO has filed a lawsuit in a Washington, D.C. federal court to prevent Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the Department of Labor’s systems. The union argues that this could expose non-public investigations into Musk’s companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Company, as well as probes into competitors.

Musk, tasked by President Donald Trump with identifying government fraud and waste, has rapidly expanded control over federal agencies. The AFL-CIO claims DOGE has already accessed Treasury Department data, federal employee records, and restructured USAID.

Union officials warn that DOGE’s access to OSHA databases could reveal sensitive details about workplace safety complaints, worker compensation, and wage theft claims. A Reuters report cited OSHA’s past investigations into SpaceX, including fines related to worker safety incidents. DOGE's control over the Bureau of Labor Statistics also raises concerns about the independence of economic data.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated Musk would recuse himself from conflicts of interest. However, critics fear his oversight could grant him undue influence over government agencies and competitors.

The lawsuit, filed before U.S. District Judge John Bates, seeks a temporary restraining order against DOGE. The court has yet to rule on the request.