Trump's retaliatory union-busting
This is the March 31, 2025 edition of our twice-weekly newsletter about labor movement news in the DC region. Sign up to get our newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.
On Thursday President Trump signed an executive order rescinding the collective bargaining rights of a massive swath of the federal workforce in a historic attack on public unions.
The order strips the right to union representation from more than 30 federal agencies. It will affect more than 1 million workers.
“This administration’s bullying tactics represent a clear threat not just to federal employees and their unions, but to every American who values democracy and the freedoms of speech and association. Trump’s threat to unions and working people across America is clear: fall in line or else,” AFGE National President Everett Kelley said in a statement.
"This executive order is the very definition of union-busting," said AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler in a statement. "It's clear that this order is punishment for unions who are leading the fight against the administration's illegal actions in court — and a blatant attempt to silence us." Read more »
Unions call on Maryland Senate to move worker protection bills languishing in committee
Last week labor unions called on Maryland State senators to act two worker protection bills, with just two weeks left in the legislative session. Members of the AFSCME Maryland Council 3 and AFGE rallied in support of the bills — one to support laid-off federal employees and one to help state workers in future negotiations. Read more »
Upcoming Actions + Events
Evening with Labor 2025
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Evening with Labor 2025 less than one month away! That means now is the time for your union or organization to get tickets or secure a sponsorship for this year's event. See all the available levels and benefits and secure your sponsorship today.
Donate to the Federal Worker Solidarity Fund
Federal workers dedicate their careers to our communities. Now, it's time for everyone to have their backs. Donations are now open for our Federal Worker Solidarity Fund. Donate to the Fund or apply for support »
Building Trades' Workers Memorial Mass
Thursday April 24 @ 5 PM
St. Camillus Church, Silver Spring
The Building Trades' Workers Memorial Mass is a time of remembrance for those workers who were killed or injured on the jobsite. The Mass will be led by Labor Priest Father Brian Jordan. ALL ARE INVITED including rank-and-file members, safety personnel, union leaders, family, friends, and elected officials.
Around the Region
Top left: Congratulations to the members of AFSCME Local 1209C who work for the City of College Park on ratifying a new union contract earlier this month! Top right: Last week CLUW wrapped up their National Executive Board Meeting and Lobby Day! Our sisters and siblings are motivated now, more than ever, to fight for workers, our unions and the freedoms we all deserve. Bottom: The staff of UFCW Local 400 are "spread across seven states and hundreds of workplaces, so when we had the whole team together in one place for a recent training, we took the opportunity to take this family photo. Go team 400!"