NCL raises alarm over meat industry push to dismantle protections amid worker and environmental concerns 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is raising serious concerns over recent lobbying efforts by the Meat Institute, which is urging the Trump administration to roll back essential regulations designed to protect workers, the environment, and consumers in the meatpacking and factory farm industries. NCL’s concerns are heightened by disturbing reports of widespread hazardous child labor in the industry, including children working night shifts to clean factories with caustic chemicals.

In its letter to the White House, the Meat Institute is pushing for the elimination of critical protections such as the Clean Water Act, food safety regulations, and farmworker protections under the Packers and Stockyards Act. NCL is opposed to these efforts, warning that weakening these protections will lead to further exploitation of workers and unsafe food production practices.

“The history of the meat industry is a stark reminder of why these protections exist,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “The horrifying conditions Upton Sinclair exposed in The Jungle led to critical reforms such as the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906—laws that NCL championed that continue to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of our food supply. We cannot afford to go backward.”

The emergence of widespread child labor in the meatpacking industry, with children working in hazardous conditions, echoes the dark past that led to these crucial regulations. The Meat Institute’s push to dismantle regulations on food safety, water pollution, and worker protections will not only harm workers, but also put consumers at risk. Without these safeguards, the public could face unsafe food products, environmental damage, and the continued exploitation of vulnerable workers.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Consumer groups file comments supporting DOT delay compensation rules 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207,2829

Washington, DC – Yesterday, the National Consumers League (NCL) and four other public interest organizations filed comments with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) urging the Department to implement passenger protections in the event of significant flight delays and cancellations. Under federal law enacted last year, DOT must act on the issue by May 16.

NCL, the American Economic Liberties Project, Consumer Action, the Consumer Federation of America, and Travelers United called for:

  • Automatic cash compensation to consumers affected by flight disruptions that could have been prevented by the carrier
  • Food, drink, and lodging during disruptions
  • Maximum customer service wait times of 10 minutes
  • Rebooking on the next available flight
  • Prompt notice to disrupted travelers of their legal rights

The full comments can be found here.

Further reading:

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About the National Consumers League (NCL) 

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

Trump import tariffs harm small businesses and consumers: increased costs and delays ahead

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is deeply concerned about the Trump administration’s recent announcement of new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. NCL is fearful that this decision could significantly impact American consumers, affecting a wide range of goods that are integral to daily life.

As of this week, an agreement was made between the two North American countries to delay the tariffs for 30 days. This temporary pause allows time to see if these actions can lead to a solution without the need for harsh tariffs. If the agreements are not met or progress is not made, the tariffs could go back into effect after the 30-day period.

While these tariffs are framed as efforts to address national security concerns, the reality is that they could place an undue burden on everyday Americans. Consumers are already facing inflationary pressures, and these additional costs may only exacerbate the financial challenges that families and businesses face. The proposed 25% additional tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, along with a 10% tariff on energy resources, will directly drive-up prices on essential goods. NCL is concerned that consumers could feel the impact when they purchase everything from groceries to vehicles, as the increased tariffs is expected to add to the cost of manufacturing and transportation. An estimate from the non-partisan Tax Foundation puts the cost of the proposed tariffs at $800 per household this year.

“We are deeply concerned that these tariffs could hurt everyday Americans,” NCL CEO Sally Greenberg said. “Products consumers rely on daily, from fruits and vegetables to meat and energy could see price increases as supply chains are disrupted. Higher prices on basic goods would make life harder for families across the country, all as a result of these ill-conceived trade policies.”        

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

 

Fifteen organizations call on senate commerce committee to support TICKET Act  

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829  

Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League (NCL) joined a coalition of 15 organizations in support of the TICKET Act (S. 281). This bipartisan bill, reintroduced in the Senate by Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO), is scheduled for markup in the Senate Commerce Committee this Wednesday, February 5. NCL has championed this legislation since its introduction last Congress and continues to stand with numerous consumer and fan advocacy organizations and live event industry stakeholders in endorsing its key provisions.  

“Consumers deserve fair, transparent, and reliable ticketing practices, and the TICKET Act delivers just that,” said John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “Hidden fees, speculative ticketing, and deceptive marketing practices have plagued the live event industry for far too long, leaving fans frustrated and out of pocket. The TICKET Act takes important steps toward fixing these issues, and NCL is proud to continue our support for this vital consumer protection legislation.”  

The TICKET Act requires all-in pricing, which would eliminate hidden fees and provide consumers with clear and transparent pricing upfront. It also bans speculative ticketing and deceptive marketing practices, ensures refunds for canceled or postponed events, and mandates a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) study on the enforcement of the BOTS Act.  

“The TICKET Act’s common-sense provisions will empower consumers and promote a more equitable and transparent live event ticketing marketplace,” said Breyault. “By supporting this bill, the Senate has the opportunity to protect millions of fans from deceptive practices and ensure that ticket buyers can confidently purchase tickets without fear of hidden costs or other unfair practices.” 

To view the organizations’ letter, click here. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)   

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

NCL strongly opposes the ‘Nullify Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act’ 

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Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League (NCL) voices its strong opposition to the newly introduced legislation, the Nullify Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act, which seeks to abolish the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This legislation, introduced by Republican Congressman Andy Biggs, would repeal the landmark Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, eliminating vital federal workplace safety regulations. This would not only jeopardize the health and safety of millions of American workers but also threaten progress made in reducing workplace hazards.

“This bill would be a catastrophic step backward for worker safety in this country,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “Repealing OSHA would put workers at great risk by dismantling the very protections that have helped reduce workplace injuries and deaths for over 50 years. Without OSHA, many workers will be left vulnerable to unsafe conditions, and it will be the most vulnerable—low-income and minority workers—who will bear the brunt of dangerous rollbacks. Additionally, OSHA plays a crucial role in ensuring children’s safety in the workforce by holding corporations accountable and enforcing laws against dangerous, illegal labor practices. We need to build on the progress made in workplace safety, not dismantle it.”

For over fifty years, OSHA has been instrumental in safeguarding workers from hazardous conditions, significantly reducing workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. When OSHA was founded in 1970, an estimated 14,000 workers were killed on the job each year, as compared with 5,283 fatal work injuries recorded in the U.S. in 2023, despite far more workers today. This is a remarkable track record of improving worker safety.

This is a direct result of OSHA’s regulations and oversight, saving countless lives. Mr. Biggs’ legislation threatens to undo these gains and will leave workers, including children, vulnerable to unsafe working conditions.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneering consumer organization, dedicated to workers’ safety and the protection of children from labor exploitation. Our mission is to promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL condemns Trump’s efforts to undermine CFPB’s ability to protect consumers 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC — The National Consumers League (NCL) strongly condemns the Trump Administration’s reported plans to have the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) or the Department of Treasury supervise CFPB operations. Such steps would undermine critical consumer and small business protections, cost hardworking Americans their jobs, and leave millions of consumers more vulnerable to predatory financial practices.

The CFPB was established as an independent agency to protect consumers from deceptive practices in the financial marketplace, and it has been a vital safeguard for American consumers since its creation in 2011. Since that time, the agency has recovered $19.7 billion for consumers.

“We are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of these actions,” said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy. “It is crucial that we keep the CFPB strong, independent, and fully operational in order to protect consumers nationwide from financial harm.”

Congress explicitly designed the CFPB to be an independent agency within the Federal Reserve System. Executive actions to place the agency under OMB or Treasury supervision are likely illegal. NCL believes that undermining the CFPB’s independent structure would take the country backward, eroding the essential consumer protections that have helped combat abusive practices in the financial industry, such as payday lending, illegal credit card fees, deceptive loans,  and mortgages, and more.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL calls for immediate action on aviation safety following tragic Washington, DC plane crash

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC — National Consumers League (NCL) is heartbroken by the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 in Washington, DC. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the 64 passengers and crew members who perished, as well as the three service member aboard the Army Black Hawk helicopter. This tragedy is a stark reminder that safety must be the #1, #2, and #3 priority, above all else, in our nation’s aviation system.

This crash follows a long-standing and growing concern about the dangers of overcrowded airspace, particularly at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), home to the busiest runway in the nation. The airspace around DCA, heavily congested with both passenger planes and military aircraft on security patrols, has seen a series of near-misses and incidents. Experts and lawmakers have repeatedly warned about the risks, citing a series of near-misses and incidents—including a recent incident where a catastrophic runway collision was narrowly avoided. Despite these red flags, Congress continues to push for increased flights in this already overburdened airspace.

This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call for the urgent action. It is critical to reevaluate flight patterns, air traffic control resources, and safety protocols. To restore passenger trust in air travel, we need a thorough, transparent investigation into this tragedy, along with a concrete plan to address the underlying issues of congestion and air traffic control shortages.

“While investigations will seek to determine the precise cause of this crash, one thing is clear: we must not wait for another catastrophe to make air travel safer,” says John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, which has been pushing for passenger safety and updated evacuation policies. Breyault served on the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee from 2021-2024.

When speaking to the media President Trump has recklessly blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion hires —along with the last two Democratic presidents —for the crash. This politically motivated finger-pointing isn’t just misleading; it’s a blatant attempt to distract from the real issues. NCL urges lawmakers, regulators, and the aviation industry to come together and take immediate steps to enhance safety in our nation’s airspace. It is time to prioritize reforms that protect the lives of passengers and restore confidence in air travel.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL’s lawsuit against Starbucks moves forward in DC superior court 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is pleased to announce that its lawsuit against Starbucks will proceed in the DC Superior Court after a ruling yesterday by the Federal judge ordering that the case be remanded back to DC Superior Court from where it sits currently in federal court.

NCL’s lawsuit alleges that Starbucks misled consumers with deceptive claims about the ethical sourcing of its products. This decision comes after several months of delay caused by Starbucks’ improper removal of the case to federal court.    

“The National Consumers League is pleased that the case we filed against Starbucks can finally move forward on the merits in the DC Superior Court, where it was originally brought, after months of delay caused by the defendant’s improper removal of the action to federal court,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “This is especially important because the case was brought under DC law, the Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA), and the DC courts are best equipped to hear this case.”   

The decision to keep the case in DC court ensures that the legal process will be handled under the applicable local laws, particularly the Consumer Protection Procedures Act, which is designed to protect District residents from unfair or deceptive business practices.  

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)   

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

NCL statement on court siding with airlines against price transparency 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, (202)- 207-2829

Washington, DC – Late last night, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit chose to block a pro-consumer DOT rule that would have required the disclosure of baggage, change, and cancellation fees at the start of the purchasing process for airfares. The court cited a procedural reason related to a regulatory impact analysis in allowing airlines to continue overcharging consumers $543 million in hidden fees each year.  

“It’s disappointing that the 5th Circuit sided with airline profits over consumers. Price transparency is overwhelmingly popular and should not be a litigated issue,” said NCL VP of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “While this is a temporary loss for passengers, we are pleased that the court appears to have rejected the airline industry’s efforts to get a free pass from DOT oversight entirely.” 

In the decision, the court did reject the airlines’ reckless argument that DOT lacks the authority to issue regulations prohibiting predatory business practices, a claim that threatened decades of consumer protection law. 

Further reading: 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit nclnet.org.

NCL statement on confirmation of DOT Secretary Sean Duffy 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, (202)- 207-2829

Washington, DC – Today, the Senate confirmed Sean Duffy as secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Secretary Duffy will lead the Department as a number of critical aviation passenger protection issues remain unresolved or unaddressed, including: 

·                  Acting on an unfulfilled Congressional mandate to require airlines to seat families together, without incurring extra charges 

·                  Acting on multiple unfulfilled Congressional mandates to establish minimum seat sizes 

·                  Acting on an unfulfilled Congressional mandate to update emergency evacuation standards that are decades out of date 

·                  Defending the Department’s authority to require transparent pricing of airfares against a lawsuit brought by air carriers 

·                  Bringing U.S. regulations in line with international standards to promote market competition and provide cash compensation to passengers affected by significant flight disruptions and cancellations 

Secretary Duffy will also be charged with curbing the unacceptably high number of automobile fatalities and injuries on our nation’s roads, which accounted for approximately 42,000 deaths and over 5.2 million injuries in 2022. 

“Secretary Duffy inherits the mantle of one of the most pro-consumer DOT’s we’ve ever seen,” said John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “We look forward working with the new leadership at DOT to complete these outstanding airline passenger protection to-do’s and take additional steps to promote the public interest and competition in our nation’s transportation industries more broadly.” 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit nclnet.org.