Trump Signs Executive Order Ending Collective Bargaining Rights for Federal Workers
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order that effectively terminates collective bargaining rights for a significant portion of federal employees, particularly those involved in what the administration broadly defines as "national security operations." This move, which the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) estimates will impact more than 1 million federal workers, represents one of the most consequential actions against federal employee unions in recent history.
The Executive Order: Scope and Justification
The executive order, titled "Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs," cites the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 as the legal basis for the president's authority to discontinue collective bargaining at agencies focused on national security operations. Historically, this provision has been applied narrowly to specific personnel within agencies like the CIA, FBI, and the National Security Agency.
However, Trump's directive extends far beyond traditional national security agencies, encompassing employees whose roles relate to:
- National defense
- Border security
- International relations
- Energy security
- Pandemic preparedness
- Economic matters
- Public safety
- Cybersecurity
This broad interpretation affects staff across numerous federal departments, including State, Defense, Justice, and Health and Human Services. It also impacts agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Communications Commission, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
