WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has declared his full support for a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions challenging a controversial executive order from the Trump administration. The order, signed last week, seeks to eliminate collective bargaining rights for approximately two-thirds of the federal workforce, a move unions argue would undermine decades of labor protections and weaken support for civil servants.
The executive order attempts to reclassify over one million federal employees, including one-third who are veterans, as involved in national security operations, thereby excluding them from labor protections. Workers in this category would be denied access to critical collective bargaining mechanisms traditionally used to advocate for fair treatment, workplace safety, and whistleblower protections. The affected employees span agencies deemed essential to public service and national governance.
Fetterman expressed his solidarity with the labor unions, posting on social media, “Attacking union membership is deeply un-American. I salute and fully support this move. The union way of life is sacred. SEE YOU IN COURT.”
The lawsuit, filed on April 4 by several unions representing federal workers, has the backing of major labor organizations, including the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The unions argue that the executive order is an unlawful overreach that threatens to erode employment protections for millions of public servants.
On Wednesday, Fetterman joined 45 Democratic Senators and two independents in signing a letter denouncing the administration’s actions. The letter emphasized that no evidence exists to justify removing collective bargaining agreements, stating, “The protection collective bargaining has provided for employees allows them to conduct their work on behalf of the American people—including blowing the whistle on fraud or abuse—without political interference.”
Labor advocates warn that weakening unions could diminish employees’ ability to speak out against mismanagement and abuse, leaving the federal workforce vulnerable to exploitation. Opponents of the executive order also highlight its potential to exacerbate long-standing labor and retention challenges within federal agencies, further compromising their ability to serve the public effectively.
The upcoming legal battle, supported by Fetterman and his colleagues, will determine whether the Trump administration’s actions align with existing labor laws. Fetterman’s continued advocacy echoes his broader commitment to preserving unions’ role in ensuring equity and accountability for American workers.
Should the courts side with the unions, the decision could serve as a pivotal moment, reinforcing labor rights and collective bargaining for federal employees. Fetterman, a vocal proponent of organized labor, remains steadfast in his pledge to protect unionized workers, signaling that this fight is far from over.
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