BREAKING: Trump Executive Order Eliminates Collective Bargaining for 1 Million Federal Workers

Dear UnionBase Readers,

We are compelled to inform you of significant developments that have profound implications for federal employees and labor relations nationwide.

Dissolution of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS):

In a decisive action, the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), under the leadership of Elon Musk, has effectively dismantled the FMCS. Established in 1947, the FMCS has been instrumental in mediating labor disputes, facilitating collective bargaining, and averting work stoppages that could disrupt essential services. The agency's closure is projected to save a mere 0.0014% of the federal budget, a figure critics argue is negligible compared to the invaluable services FMCS provided. The cessation of its operations has led to the placement of employees on administrative leave, with terminations anticipated to follow. ​

Revocation of Collective Bargaining Rights:

In a parallel move, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order rescinding collective bargaining rights for a substantial segment of the federal workforce. Citing provisions from the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the order affects multiple federal departments, including Agriculture, Defense, Health and Human Services, Justice, State, and Veterans Affairs, as well as agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This directive impacts approximately 67% of the federal workforce and 75% of unionized workers, effectively bringing these employees under closer control of the executive branch. ​

Legal Challenges and Union Response:

These actions have elicited strong opposition from federal employee unions and labor leaders. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the AFL-CIO have condemned the executive orders as retaliatory measures aimed at undermining union influence and silencing dissent. Legal challenges are underway, with unions arguing that these orders violate established labor laws and infringe upon the rights of federal workers. ​

Implications for Federal Employees:

The dissolution of the FMCS and the revocation of collective bargaining rights represent a seismic shift in federal labor relations. Without the FMCS's mediation services, labor disputes may become more protracted and contentious, potentially leading to increased work stoppages and disruptions. The stripping of collective bargaining rights diminishes the ability of federal employees to negotiate terms of employment, advocate for workplace protections, and address grievances effectively.​

We understand that these developments may cause concern and uncertainty. Our commitment is to keep you informed with accurate and timely information as the situation evolves. We encourage all federal employees to stay engaged, seek guidance from their respective unions, and participate in dialogues aimed at addressing these unprecedented challenges.