Federal Employee Unions Under Attack: Collective Bargaining Rights at Risk

Executive Orders and Legislative Proposals:: Recent executive orders and legislative proposals aim to limit what unions can bargain over, reduce official time, and change how grievances are resolved.

FLRA Leadership Changes:: Changes in leadership at the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) may influence how labor laws are interpreted and enforced.

Budget Constraints:: Agencies may limit bargaining flexibility or seek to fast-track operational changes in leaner fiscal years, potentially at the expense of negotiated processes.

Impact on Workers:: Approximately 67% of the federal workforce could lose the right to bargain under these orders, potentially reducing the number of unionized American workers by 5-10%.

PATCO Strike (1981):: Reagan fired 11,345 air traffic controllers, decertified their union, and banned them from government employment for life.

Wisconsin Act 10 (2011):: Walker stripped state workers of collective bargaining rights, leading to protests and a weeks-long occupation of the Wisconsin Capitol.

Stay informed about policy changes by checking in with your union, the FLRA, and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Participate in workplace organizing and collective action to demonstrate the value of federal employees to the public.

Build solidarity with other labor unions and community organizations to create a broader base of support.

Federal employee unions are under significant pressure due to recent policy changes.

These changes can impact your pay, benefits, job security, and ability to address workplace disputes.

Staying informed and engaged is crucial to protecting your rights and future as a federal employee.