Randell Hynes: From Army Veteran to Advocate for Workers’ Rights

Randell Hynes is a U.S. military veteran whose career has evolved from service in the armed forces to leading digital initiatives aimed at empowering non-union workers across America. With a background in Nevada politics, a 33-year tech career, and a passion for reforming labor practices, Hynes embodies the transition from traditional battle-readiness to modern “digital frontlines” in the fight for economic justice and worker advocacy. His mission centers on bridging gaps in the outdated U.S. labor system, using technology and education to help everyday workers negotiate better terms with employers with an On-Demand Union—much like a union, but without the formal structure and permanence.
Military Service and Early Career
Hynes served in the U.S. military, gaining experience in high-stakes environments that honed his leadership and strategic skills. While specific details of his deployments aren’t extensively documented in public posts, his veteran status is a cornerstone of his public persona, often invoked in discussions of discipline, resilience, and service to country. This foundation has informed his approach to advocacy, where he applies battlefield-honed tactics to corporate and policy “frontlines.” Transitioning out of the military, Hynes began a 33-year career in cutting-edge tech at AT&T. In the 2000s, he entered the political arena, leveraging his organizational expertise in Nevada, a state with a diverse workforce in the hospitality, gaming, and energy sectors.
Champion for Transportation and Solar Workers in Nevada
Hynes identified critical needs for workers in the transportation and solar industries. He recognized that drivers often lacked essential skills and hesitated to advocate for themselves. Similarly, electricians in the solar sector faced challenges due to the absence of representation and limited access to non-union training required for obtaining a Nevada state license to install solar electric systems. Through his advocacy and lobbying efforts, Hynes worked to address these gaps, supporting better training and representation for these workers. Later, Hynes’s advocacy for Rideshare was instrumental in moving deals forward. Clark County, Nevada, residents now have access to ready transportation within 5 to 10 minutes, an option that has become increasingly important in an economy where car ownership has become cost-prohibitive.
Political Involvement: RFK Jr. Campaign Manager
Hynes gained prominence as the Nevada Campaign Manager for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2024 presidential bid. In this role, he focused on grassroots mobilization, emphasizing themes of corporate accountability, health freedom, and economic reform. His posts from this period highlight a commitment to “uniting” America against the profit-driven influence of corporate interests on government, often praising Kennedy’s vision of a coalition government. For instance, in an August 2024 video post, Hynes described the campaign’s core promise as ending “big industry corporations ‘ control over our government for profit by prolonging party divisions,” positioning it as a unifying force for coalition governance.
Key highlights from his RFK Jr. era include:
- Double-Duty: Led the dutiful petition campaign to get Robert F. Kennedy, Jr’s name on the Nevada ballot for President, TWICE!
- Grassroots Efforts: Hynes promoted door-to-door flyer distribution and community engagement, as seen in a July 2024 TikTok clip where volunteers canvass neighborhoods to build support.
- Critique of Corporate Power: He frequently shared content criticizing how corporations and lobbyists exacerbate daily struggles, echoing Kennedy’s decades-long legal battles against environmental and health violators. A February 2024 post noted, “This campaign is 100% about ending profit-driven corporate control of the US government and returning government to the people.”
- Health and Prosperity Focus: Posts like one from March 2024 warned of the “side effects” of supporting Kennedy—safer, healthier communities with higher wages—while another in April 2024 praised VP candidate Nicole Shanahan as a “genius, innovator and American success story.”
Hynes’ tenure ended with the campaign’s conclusion, but his advocacy didn’t stop; it pivoted toward labor issues, aligning with Kennedy’s broader anti-corporate stance.
Current Mission: Transforming Worker Advocacy with BuildUp Co-op
Post-campaign, Hynes founded BuildUp Co-op (@BuildupCoop) in 2023 with a broader focus, then in 2025 repositioned it as a “21st-century union on-demand” platform designed to teach non-union U.S. workers how to negotiate like union members. This initiative addresses the stagnation of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935, which Hynes argues hasn’t evolved to meet the needs of today’s diverse workforce. In a September 2025 post quoting BuildUp, he noted, “The NLRA of 1935 has never changed to help workers improve their collective voice in an ever-changing workforce and economy,” pointing out that its primary sponsor, Senator Robert F. Wagner, would be 148 years old today.
BuildUp Co-op’s model uses digital tools—online training, resources, and community forums—to empower workers in negotiations for wages, benefits, and conditions. Hynes’ role involves promoting this as a scalable, accessible alternative to traditional unions, especially in right-to-work states like Nevada. His recent activity ties into broader economic concerns:
- Energy and Cost-of-Living Advocacy: In early September 2025, Hynes posted extensively about Nevada’s high gas prices, attributing them to EPA regulations requiring Clark County to use California-sourced reformulated gasoline (RFG) due to ozone nonattainment status (74 parts per billion, just above the 70 ppb threshold). He wrote letters to President Trump and state officials urging a rollback to the 2008 standard of 75 ppb, warning, “We’re at the mercy of the State of California, $7/gallon is coming.” He also highlighted a new Nevada law requiring stations to display the highest gas price (not cash-only discounts) to protect consumers.
- Petition for Broader Reform: In another September 2025 post, Hynes shared “The American Covenant,” a petition styled after the Olive Branch Petition, calling on Congress to restore worker and citizen protections against corporate overreach.
This work represents Hynes’ “digital frontlines”: using social media, petitions, and online platforms to mobilize workers, much like coordinating troops in the field. His bio explicitly states his current focus: “teaching non-union U.S. Workers how to negotiate like a union with their employer.”
Why This Matters: A Veteran-Led Shift in Advocacy
Hynes’ journey—from military service, through political campaigning, to digital labor empowerment—highlights a growing trend of veterans applying operational expertise to social issues. In an era of economic inequality and outdated labor laws, his mission at BuildUp Co-op aims to democratize negotiation power, potentially transforming how millions of American workers advocate for themselves. With over 5,000 followers on X, Hynes continues to amplify these efforts, blending policy critique with practical tools.
For more, follow
@RandellHynes on X or visit BuildUp Co-op’s resources. His story underscores a powerful narrative: veterans aren’t just defending the nation physically but also digitally, ensuring economic battles are fought fairly.