Federal employee unions fight for survival as Trump tries to eviscerate them

Anthony Lee serves as the president of NTEU Chapter 282, which represents nearly 9,000 workers at the Food and Drug Administration. In late March, Lee was taken by surprise when layoffs at the FDA were initiated without prior notice. Employees were informed of their termination as they tried to enter the building, with a red light on their badges signaling the distressing news. Lee, who leads the union representing FDA employees, expressed frustration over the lack of notification as required by their bargaining agreement. The Trump administration’s actions to curtail unions have intensified, jeopardizing the ability of unions to operate effectively in the federal workplace. President Trump’s executive order to end collective bargaining rights for many federal workers has faced legal challenges, with concerns raised about the implications for government operations and employee protections. The debate over the role of unions in government efficiency continues, with some arguing that unions play a vital role in facilitating smoother operations and advocating for employee rights. Armando Rosario-Lebron, a representative of federal workers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, highlights the benefits of union involvement in managing issues such as overtime assignments and employee grievances. He warns that eliminating unions could leave management without crucial support in addressing workplace matters.