The newly launched Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network aims to provide free legal aid to federal employees affected by the Trump administration’s actions. Spearheaded by the AFL-CIO and We The Action, the network draws support from various labor and civil rights organizations, offering a lifeline to federal workers amidst reported mass terminations and legal challenges.
The initiative emerges in response to numerous federal workers losing their jobs since January, many citing the need for immediate legal counsel due to planned reductions in force. Existing unions and groups continue to seek legal redress, but the demand for individual legal assistance remains significant.
“Attacks on federal workers are attacks on all workers and on the essential services that our communities rely on daily,” remarked Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. “Getting these workers the justice they deserve in the face of this onslaught will take all of us.”
The coalition behind the network includes Democracy Forward, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
Anna Chu, executive director of We The Action, emphasized the role of lawyers in the current climate, stating, “This is a moment for lawyers to support the federal workers who serve us all.”
Democracy Forward’s Skye Perryman highlighted the importance of defending civil servants, describing them as the “backbone of our democracy.”
Everett Kelley of AFGE and Randy Erwin of NFFE-IAM reiterated the necessity for accessible legal resources as civil servants face continued threats from the administration.
The NTEU’s Doreen Greenwald praised the commitment of volunteer attorneys, noting their role in advocating for civil servants nationwide.
The American Constitution Society’s Zinelle October and Maya Wiley of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights both stressed the broader implications of these legal support efforts, framing them within the context of civil rights and justice for all workers.
For further information, federal workers and lawyers interested in the Legal Defense Network can access resources through the network’s website.
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