President Donald Trump has now reportedly signed an executive order that effectively eliminates collective bargaining rights for federal employees affiliated with agencies tied to national security.
This sweeping move could impact hundreds of thousands of government workers, as detailed in a memo released by the White House.
The executive order specifically targets public sector unions representing staff in federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Science Foundation, and the Coast Guard. Citing the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the administration claims it has the authority to limit union activities for national security reasons.
The memo stresses that effective national security operations require a responsive and accountable civil service system.
Agencies affected by the order also include immigration-related bodies such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Additionally, international agencies like the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development, along with various health and regulatory bodies, will see their collective bargaining rights revoked.
The American Federation of Government Employees has denounced the order, calling it a retaliatory attack on the rights of civil servants, many of whom are veterans.
The union warns that this move undermines the democratic principles of free speech and association.
Trump’s administration insists that while he supports constructive partnerships with unions, he will not tolerate what he sees as obstruction to the effective management of vital national security missions.
Following the issuance of the executive order, the Office of Personnel Management has instructed federal agencies to consult legal counsel to facilitate its implementation.
This executive order marks a significant shift in labor relations within the federal government, raising concerns about the rights of workers in critical sectors.
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