Photo credit: www.govexec.com

Federal Employee Unions Prepare for Trump’s Return to the White House

On Wednesday, various federal employee organizations voiced their commitment to collaborate with the incoming administration of president-elect Donald Trump, who will re-enter the White House in January. However, leaders of these unions are realistic about the challenges they may face given Trump’s history with labor groups.

“The election of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States is not the outcome our union hoped for,” remarked Everett Kelley, the national president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). He emphasized that despite their disappointment, federal employees have a duty to uphold the Constitution and will continue to fulfill their responsibilities, regardless of the administration in power.

While it is common for labor organizations to seek cooperative relationships with new administrations, the prospects of a constructive partnership appear limited this time around. Trump’s previous term was characterized by efforts to diminish labor strength within federal agencies, leading union leaders to question whether collaboration will be feasible.

Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), stressed the union’s intention to engage in good faith with Trump’s administration, despite the president-elect’s contentious relationship with federal workers and unions. “We are committed to opposing any actions that could endanger our members’ rights or hinder our ability to represent them,” she stated.

Matt Biggs, national president of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, indicated that there are already signs of anxiety amongst union members, with some contemplating leaving federal jobs, including those in leadership roles within unions. “This time it feels different. In 2016, there was uncertainty, but now we face the realities of Trump’s previous anti-union executive actions and his administration’s evident agenda,” he pointed out.

Kelley, representing the AFGE’s 800,000 federal employees, vowed to strongly oppose any measures that threaten unions or civil service protections. He remarked, “We will not allow any political figure to disregard the Constitution or our laws. During Trump’s first administration, there were significant attempts to undermine union contracts and to replace nonpartisan civil servants with political appointees.”

As control of the House of Representatives remained uncertain as of Wednesday, Biggs noted the importance of maintaining connections with the few pro-labor Republicans in Congress. He warned of potential detrimental legislation that could emerge and underscored the necessity for unions to actively mobilize and defend their members’ interests. “We’re approaching this matter with a practical mindset, ready to advocate for our workforce,” he concluded.

Source
www.govexec.com