Unions from various sectors, including nursing, education, mining, and manufacturing, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action seeks to reverse the dismantling of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The lawsuit was initiated by Public Citizen Litigation Group and the AFL-CIO’s Office of the General Counsel on behalf of several unions and workplace safety experts.
The plaintiffs argue that cuts directed by Elon Musk’s DOGE have severely impacted NIOSH operations. They claim these reductions threaten worker safety by eliminating essential programs such as respirator certification, mine safety research, toxin exposure investigations, professional training funding, and support for medical compensation related to nuclear workers and 9/11 responders.
Following pressure from unions and public health advocates, HHS rescinded layoff notices for about 300 employees after a judge issued a temporary restraining order. However, this is only a portion of NIOSH’s approximately 1,000 staff members. The complaint calls for full reinstatement to allow NIOSH to continue its work.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler criticized the cuts: “By gutting NIOSH… they are cutting lives short.” Bonnie Robin-Vergeer from Public Citizen Litigation Group stated that bypassing Congress in this manner violated federal laws. AFT President Randi Weingarten emphasized that lives would be lost due to these actions.
Amber Mitchell from the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics highlighted how essential NIOSH services prevent injuries and illnesses among workers. IAM International President Brian Bryant warned about threats to workplace preparedness due to these changes.
NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin called it “unconscionable” that an agency responsible for worker safety is being dismantled. CNA/NNOC President Sandy Reding stressed that without NIOSH oversight on respirators like N95s, worker safety could be compromised.
National Nurses United President Nancy Hagans expressed concern over attempts to destroy agencies like NIOSH during times when healthcare executives can’t always ensure safety. UAW President Shawn Fain noted that losing NIOSH would negatively impact numerous workplace issues across industries.
Cecil E. Roberts from United Mine Workers highlighted risks posed by eliminating programs like black lung screenings while USW International President David McCall spoke on benefits seen across various industries due to NIOSH efforts.
AFSCME Local 983’s Joe Puleo reminded readers about sacrifices made by first responders during events like 9/11 who now face neglect if staff reductions proceed at institutes such as NIOSH; Claudio Dente from Dentec Safety Specialists pointed out how crucial their approval program has been over decades ensuring quality control standards are met consistently producing life-saving equipment protecting both workers general public alike against serious illness potential death resulting otherwise lack thereof regulatory oversight provided institutionally heretofore hitherto until recently threatened herein described ongoing current developments transpiring thus far regarding matter presently under discussion consideration amongst parties involved concerned stakeholders respective interests duly represented collectively together jointly seeking redress grievances lodged formally aforementioned context legal framework established governing procedures protocols applicable relevant 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