SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Brian Schatz, Mark Warner, and Susan Collins have appealed to President Donald Trump to reinstate collective bargaining rights for federal workers. This follows an executive order issued by President Trump that eliminates collective bargaining at several federal agencies, affecting over one million federal workers nationwide.

"The presence of collective bargaining rights has created a more stable and productive workforce and has allowed the federal government to better meet the needs of our constituents," the senators expressed in their letter to the President. They argued that "sudden changes to labor-management relations are disruptive to the work of the federal workforce and will result in the loss of valuable federal workers with knowledge and skills critical to completing their respective agency’s missions."

While acknowledging the shared objective of streamlining federal operations and improving government efficiency, the senators noted, "We believe that the March 27th EO impedes, rather than advances, efforts to make the federal government more efficient." As such, they urged the President to "reconsider your executive order and restore federal workers’ collective bargaining rights."

Their letter also highlights the historical context of collective bargaining rights under the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute and the Foreign Service Labor-Management Relations Statute. These statutes were established to reduce labor disputes and promote effective recruitment and retention within federal agencies.

Unions traditionally exist within national security agencies, exemplified by the Department of Defense civilian workers who have been engaging in collective bargaining since 1978 with no negative effect on national security. The senators argue that collective bargaining contributes to improved communication within federal agencies and helps address employee concerns efficiently.

In conclusion, the senators reiterated, "We share your goal of streamlining federal operations and enhancing government efficiency, but believe that the March 27th EO impedes, rather than advances, efforts to make the federal government more efficient."