The AFL-CIO, along with a coalition of unions, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action challenges what they describe as the dismantling of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), claiming its essential functions in labor relations have been jeopardized. The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, aims to counteract what unions see as illegal and detrimental actions against the FMCS.
The complaint outlines significant cuts in FMCS operations, noting the reduction of staff by 93% and the closure of all field offices. The unions argue that the FMCS is crucial for resolving contract negotiations and saving an estimated $500 million annually, benefits that are at risk due to these agency changes.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “FMCS is a little-known but critical government agency that works to bring labor and management together to solve problems between workers and employers—and it’s illegally under attack by Elon Musk and his DOGE,” expressing concerns about prolonged contract negotiations and potential economic harm.
AFSCME President Lee Saunders emphasized the financial implications, stating, “FMCS helps to mediate thousands of collective bargaining agreements and other disputes, ensuring workers are paid fairly while commerce and services continue to flow.” He questioned why the administration would want to dismantle an agency that generates substantial economic benefits relative to its modest budget.
AFT President Randi Weingarten addressed broader implications for workers’ rights, asserting, “This case is about more than a single agency—it’s about upholding workers’ fundamental bargaining rights and protecting a foundation stone of labor relations in America.”
Amid these concerns, AFGE National President Everett Kelley criticized the perceived motivations behind the FMCS cuts. “Trump and Elon Musk’s efforts to abolish FMCS have nothing to do with saving taxpayers money and everything to do with gutting workers’ union rights and protections,” he said.
“All of us,” added IAM Union International President Brian Bryant, underscores the urgency of the unions’ action, highlighting its significant impact on labor disputes.
SEIU President April Verrett voiced opposition to what is seen as union-busting tactics, indicating broader ramifications for public service workers and the communities they serve. “When you take away the voices of workers serving veterans, securing the border, and protecting public health, you silence the voices of all those who rely on their services, too,” Verrett remarked.
The lawsuit is backed by several large unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW). These groups have historically worked with FMCS in labor disputes and view the current administration’s actions as disruptive to ongoing negotiations.
Further documentation about the lawsuit is available online for those interested.
