Key Takeaways:

• President Trump issued a new executive order targeting union rights at six federal agencies.
• This move follows his March order that tried to end collective bargaining for many government workers.
• Several courts have blocked or paused the first order, but the fight is far from over.
• Union leaders at NASA, the National Weather Service, and other agencies promise to keep battling.
• The 9th Circuit Court will soon decide if it will rehear the March order’s case.

Trump’s New Order on Union Rights

President Trump just signed another executive order. He claims it will boost national security. However, it strips union rights from workers at six key agencies. This marks a clear escalation in his campaign against federal employee unions. Meanwhile, courts and unions scramble to respond.

First, Trump aimed at hundreds of thousands of federal workers in March. Then, a judge blocked that plan. Next, an appeals court let the administration move forward. Now, without waiting for the final word, some agencies have already canceled bargaining deals. In this new order, Trump points to a 1978 law to justify his actions. Yet, critics say it is purely political.

How This Affects Federal Employee Union Rights

The new order ends union rights for workers at:

• Bureau of Reclamation hydropower units
• NASA
• National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service
• National Weather Service
• Patent and Trademark Office
• U.S. Agency for Global Media

Without union rights, workers lose the power to negotiate pay, hours, and safety rules. They can no longer bargain as a group. Instead, the agency chief makes final decisions. In turn, employees fear rushed cuts and fewer protections.

Background: From the March Order to Today

In March, Trump first tried to end collective bargaining rights for many federal workers. That move sparked lawsuits. A federal judge quickly blocked the order. Then, the administration appealed. Recently, a panel from the 9th Circuit Court said it would allow some agency actions to continue while the appeal plays out. On Monday, that same court weighed whether to review the full case. Now, Trump adds a fresh order on top of the legal battle.

Which Agencies Lose Union Rights

This time, Trump points a finger at certain science, data, and media agencies. For example, NASA’s workforce includes engineers, technicians, and data specialists. Many of them belong to the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. Other NASA workers join the American Federation of Government Employees. Both unions sued in reaction to the March order.

Similarly, employees at the National Weather Service and satellite data service keep weather stations running. They track storms and share vital alerts. Those workers also have union rights under current law. Now, the new order yanks those rights away. The Patent Office and U.S. Agency for Global Media face similar cutbacks.

Union Leaders Speak Out

Union heads wasted no time condemning the order. Matt Biggs leads the technical engineers at NASA. He said the move looked like payback. In his view, the administration targeted NASA after the union sued over the March order. He also noted the timing made no sense. Labor Day weekend honors workers, he pointed out. Instead, Trump attacked them again.

Everett Kelley runs the American Federation of Government Employees. He called Trump the most anti-worker president ever. Kelley noted that about one-third of affected workers are veterans. Therefore, he felt the move showed a lack of respect. In addition, Kelley accused a new Department of Government Efficiency of driving reckless cuts. He vowed AFGE would fight on all fronts—courtrooms, Congress, and local rallies.

Legal Fight Ahead

Courts now face two related cases. The first arose from the March order. The second challenges Thursday’s new order. So far, judges have blocked some actions. However, the timeline remains murky. Meanwhile, agencies have already moved to cancel deals. This leaves workers in limbo over their rights and benefits.

In addition, the 9th Circuit will decide if all judges in that court should review the case. If they agree, it could slow down the legal process. However, a full rehearing could also lead to a clearer ruling on union rights for federal employees.

What Workers Can Expect

At present, affected employees might see changes soon. Agencies may set new pay and staffing rules without consulting unions. Workers could lose negotiated safety protocols. Also, they may face shorter notice for policy changes. In turn, morale may drop. Some employees may even leave their jobs.

Union leaders urge members to stay informed. They plan letter campaigns and meetings with lawmakers. Moreover, they will push Congress to pass laws that protect federal workers. In the long run, some hope a new administration could restore union rights.

Looking Ahead for Union Rights

In light of these developments, workers, unions, and allies must stay alert. They can:

• Monitor agency announcements about bargaining deals.
• Join union meetings to learn about legal updates.
• Contact members of Congress to oppose anti-union policies.
• Share stories on social media to build public support.

Therefore, even as the courts weigh in, public pressure may shape the final outcome. In addition, union leaders say they will file more lawsuits if needed. Meanwhile, employees face an uncertain future for their union rights.

Union Rights Matter

Union rights help workers speak with one voice. They cover pay, safety, and work rules. Without them, management holds all power. Thus, removing union rights can leave employees vulnerable. In the long term, this affects public services like weather alerts and space programs. Therefore, the fight over union rights at these agencies matters to all Americans.

FAQs

How does this order differ from the March order?

The March order aimed to end collective bargaining for many agencies. Thursday’s order targets six specific agencies, adding new restrictions.

What are collective bargaining rights?

Collective bargaining rights let unions negotiate pay, benefits, and safety rules for workers as a group.

Can unions still sue over this order?

Yes. Unions have already filed lawsuits and vow to keep fighting in court.

What can federal employees do now?

They should stay in touch with their unions, watch for agency updates, and tell lawmakers their views.