Gradual Erosion of Union Rights for Federal Workers
Distressing news reached Sharda Fornnarino in the heat of summer. The department responsible for the welfare of veterans declared an end to nearly all collective bargaining agreements. Labor unions were given a short period to vacate federal buildings.
Fornnarino, who works as an outpatient surgery nurse at a regional medical center for veterans, also serves as a local director for a nurses' union. She and her colleagues spent their weekend vacating their office space, marking a significant shift in the rights of federal workers.
A Shift in Workers' Rights
Since the 1960s, federal employees have had the right to join unions and negotiate over their working conditions. While not having the ability to strike or negotiate wages like private sector workers, these employees have been able to influence policies related to areas such as disciplinary procedures, parental leave, and overtime management.
The idea behind this is that giving workers a say in their workplace policies leads to less friction and a more efficient government. However, this way of thinking is being challenged.
Challenging the Status Quo
The current President has taken a different stance, arguing that federal employee unions pose a threat to the nation. He issued an executive order ending collective bargaining rights for over a million federal workers across numerous agencies.
This action was followed by many agencies stopping automatic deductions of union dues from employee paychecks, which effectively cut off a major source of revenue for unions. Later, additional agencies were added to the list via a new executive order.
Unions have responded with lawsuits, claiming that these actions are a form of retaliation for opposing certain aspects of the President's agenda. The initial executive order was temporarily halted by lower courts, prompting an appeal from the government. Two appeals courts allowed the administration to proceed with their plans while the litigation continues, citing the President's responsibility for national security.
Despite an earlier promise not to terminate collective bargaining agreements while litigation was pending, the administration recently instructed agencies to proceed with the termination of most union contracts. This has led to a significant number of contracts being cancelled.
Effect on Workplace Policy and Productivity
As a union representative, Fornnarino had been advocating for more training for nurses and enhanced safety at work. She successfully implemented protections at nursing stations and increased police presence in vulnerable areas. However, the agency suggested that union activities were diverting valuable time away from serving the veterans.
Uneven Application of National Security Concerns
The President has used a provision in federal law to justify his actions, which allows him to end collective bargaining rights at agencies that have national security as a primary function. He's applying this provision to a wide variety of agencies. The administration's rationale is that unions can obstruct management, which can potentially harm national security.
Ironically, agencies that have shown support for the President, including those representing law enforcement and Customs and Border Protection employees, are exempt from the executive order.
Concerns Over Brain Drain
As a result of these changes, some federal workers are choosing to leave their jobs, fearing that without unions, they will lose their voice in important matters such as telework or family leave policies. There are concerns that the loss of these seasoned workers will impact the public as the government loses vital expertise.
Despite the ongoing battles, union representatives like Fornnarino and others remain hopeful of a reversal and continue to fight for their rights.