Trump signs executive order ending collective bargaining rights for many federal workers
By Kaanita Iyer and Tami Luhby, CNN 3 minute read, Updated 9:55 AM EDT, Fri March 28, 2025
Protesters gather at a rally organized by the American Federation of Government Employees against the Department of Government Efficiency, outside the US Capitol on February 11, 2025. Allison Robbert/AFP/Getty Images/File
CNN — President Donald Trump took his most consequential action against federal employee unions yet late Thursday, signing an executive order aimed at ending collective bargaining for government employees whose work include national security aspects.
The expansive order applies to workers across many federal agencies, including the departments of State, Defense, Justice and Health and Human Services. It also impacts the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Communications Commission, and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A fact sheet released by the White House said, “The President needs a responsive and accountable civil service to protect our national security.” The order is aimed at stopping federal unions who have “declared war on President Trump’s agenda,” according to the fact sheet. It noted that the largest union – the American Federation of Government Employees – has filed many grievances to “block Trump policies.”
