Trump Executive Order Strips Federal Workers' Bargaining Rights, Sparks Lawsuits

President Trump issued an executive order on March 27, 2025, aimed at terminating collective bargaining for unions at 18 federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. This order has prompted multiple lawsuits from labor unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), claiming that the order is retaliatory and unconstitutional, violating the First Amendment and federal statutes governing union rights. The Department of Justice has defended the executive order, asserting that it falls within the president's authority concerning national security exemptions. Meanwhile, labor leaders express confidence in the resilience of federal unions, despite challenges such as halted dues collection and ongoing legal battles. Several agencies have already begun to terminate existing collective bargaining agreements, intensifying the conflict. The situation continues to evolve, with unions preparing additional lawsuits against the policy and the administration.