Organizations representing a wide range of federal employees have filed a new lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging an executive order they say undermines collective bargaining rights for federal workers. The plaintiffs in the case include several unions such as the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P), Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO, and United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA).
The legal action comes as part of ongoing efforts by labor groups to protect what they describe as fundamental freedoms for federal workers. The unions argue that the administration is using a “national security exemption” to justify curtailing basic worker rights.
Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, said: “President Trump’s executive order was the single biggest act of union-busting in American history. It was an attack on every union worker, every union contract, and the freedom for all of us to organize on the job and our freedom to speak out. But the labor movement is no stranger to attacks like these, and we don’t back down. Today, we are continuing our fight in the courts to restore the fundamental rights of every federal worker in this country.”
Randi Weingarten, President of AFT, emphasized support for education professionals working overseas: “Today, we stand up for over a million workers, including our members at the Overseas Federation of Teachers, who teach in some of the best schools of the nation, our Department of Defense public schools. Their work and their voices have been quashed by this illegal executive order. While the administration tries to stifle the voices of our members, we will continue our fight in the courts, on the streets and in Congress to uphold both the law and the right of all workers and their families to have a dignified life.”
Matthew Biggs, President of IFPTE stated: “The Trump Administration has undertaken the most draconian, extreme, and illegal campaign of union-busting in American history. President Trump’s March 27th Executive Order is illegal on several fronts, many of which are itemized in this lawsuit. IFPTE will not sit idly by while this administration promulgates a scorched-earth policy against federal workers and their Unions. We are eager and looking forward to the Court’s consideration of our litigation.”
Don Josberger from MM&P highlighted longstanding relationships between his union members and federal employers: “The International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) has had positive and mutually beneficial collective bargaining relationships with all our federal employers for decades, without any negative impact on national security,” said MM&P International President Don Josberger. “MM&P members are vital to transporting American products and supplies, ensuring safe vessel movements, and improving safety and navigation on global waterways. Our union will continue to fight to keep our members’ rights to collective bargaining intact.”
The lawsuit marks another step by labor organizations seeking judicial review over policies affecting more than one million government employees.
