John,

Donald Trump is attacking federal workers again—and this is a direct threat to human needs. This week, we told you about a lawsuit the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is undertaking to fight back against this overreach by the Trump administration. AFGE President Everett Kelley issued a statement:

“President Trump's latest executive order is a disgraceful and retaliatory attack on the rights of hundreds of thousands of patriotic American civil servants—nearly one-third of whom are veterans—simply because they are members of a union that stands up to his harmful policies.

"This administration’s bullying tactics represent a clear threat not just to federal employees and their unions, but to every American who values democracy and the freedoms of speech and association. Trump’s threat to unions and working people across America is clear: fall in line or else.

“These threats will not work. Americans will not be intimidated or silenced. AFGE isn't going anywhere. Our members have bravely served this nation, often putting themselves in harm’s way, and they deserve far better than this blatant attempt at political punishment.”

Unlike other unions, federal unions have limited bargaining rights—they can’t go on strike, and they can’t bargain over things like wages or benefits because these are laws set by Congress. What federal unions can do is help federal workers address workplace issues—and therefore ensure that essential health, education, housing, public safety, and other programs get the resources they need that were allocated by Congress—without fear of retaliation and without disrupting the work of the federal government.^[1]

The current administration is acting in an authoritarian manner, where Donald Trump thinks he is king, even playing with the idea of running for a third term—something that the Constitution explicitly prohibits.^[2][3] With Trump and Elon Musk taking a chainsaw through government agencies, workers need protection from retaliation now more than ever.

Send a message to the House of Representatives telling them to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act today and protect federal workers.

Thank you for all you do,

Meredith Dodson
Senior Director of Public Policy, CHN Action

[1]AFGE Condemns Trump's Retaliatory Attempt to Outlaw Federal Unions
[2]‘Long Live the King’: Trump Likens Himself to Royalty on Truth Social
[3]President’s Third Term Talk Defies Constitution and Tests Democracy

-- DEBORAH’S EMAIL --

John,

Yesterday, you took action in support of a lawsuit protecting federal workers; now bipartisan legislation has been introduced that can also help them. The Protect America’s Workforce Act nullifies Trump’s executive order from March 27th and clearly states:^[1]

“Any collective bargaining agreement in effect as of March 26, 2025, between any executive branch Federal agency and any labor organization that is an exclusive representative of Federal employees shall have full force and effect through the stated term of the applicable agreement.”

The passage of this legislation would be a significant victory for federal employees and their rights to bargain for better working conditions. Federal workers must retain collective bargaining rights in order to do their jobs and provide the services Americans need. The bill needs to pass the full House before it heads to the Senate. Send a direct message to your Representative telling them to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act to protect federal workers now.

Under Trump’s executive order, employees at more than 30 federal agencies would lose their collective bargaining rights. Some of these agencies include the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, and the Administration for Children and Families.^[2]

These same agencies are already under harsh attack due to the Trump administration summarily firing tens of thousands of employees. Without collective bargaining, the employees who keep their jobs will be left in an even more precarious situation. Collective bargaining protections mean workers can provide the services we depend upon.

Congress needs to hear from you. Tell the House to pass the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act today.

Thank you for all you do,

Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, CHN Action

[1]H.R. 2550
[2]AFGE Condemns Trump's Retaliatory Attempt to Outlaw Federal Unions