A coalition of major labor unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and AFT, has filed an amended lawsuit challenging actions by the Trump Administration to terminate or furlough federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown.
The lawsuit contends that using the shutdown as a means for mass firings without proper funding or legal justification violates the Antideficiency Act. It claims these measures unfairly target federal employees and threaten the non-partisan nature of civil service. Recently, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily halts further reductions in force while litigation continues.
For members of AFT who work in education rather than directly for the federal government, union leaders say this case signals broader risks. They warn that strategies used against federal workers could be applied at state or local levels, affecting contract protections and collective bargaining rights in education.
According to union officials, “the administration’s plan to use the shutdown as cover for mass firings without proper funding or legal basis violates the Antideficiency Act, unfairly punishes federal workers, and undermines the non-partisan civil service.” The lawsuit seeks to prevent any additional terminations or forced unpaid work among employees covered by its complaint. The amended filing also extends coverage to other unions such as the National Federation of Federal Employees and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.
Judge Susan Illston from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California extended a stay on October 28 and granted a preliminary injunction blocking further reductions under this policy.
Union representatives note that if successful, their case could strengthen protections for public-service employees facing similar circumstances during fiscal crises. If not, they caution it may lead to more aggressive workforce cuts and weaker union representation.
The involvement of AFT alongside AFGE and AFSCME highlights cross-sector cooperation among unions defending public service roles. Union leaders emphasize that “the fact that AFT joined with AFGE, AFSCME and others underscore that education unions are part of a broader coalition defending public service.”
They also advise educators to remain vigilant about possible overreach in layoffs or changes to contracts which could reflect issues raised by this lawsuit.
