Republican Lawmakers Call on President to Rescind Workforce EOs
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- Published: June 14, 2018
In a letter to President Trump on Monday, 21 House Republicans expressed their objections to the three executive orders issued late last month that would restrict federal employees’ union rights. They have called on the president to rescind these orders, believing they undermine existing labor laws.
“Federal workers have taken an oath of service to our great nation, and we take very seriously their duty to provide the American public with quality services,” the lawmakers wrote. “That is why we believe that now, more than ever, it is important to uphold and strengthen the working relationships between federal workers and agency leadership.”
PASS played an active role in recruiting lawmakers to sign on to the letter.
The first executive order creates an inter-agency labor relations working group and gives agencies specific directions in preparing for negotiating collective bargaining agreements. The second directs agencies to be more aggressive in terminating employees for performance and/or disciplinary reasons. The third directs agencies to restrict the use of official time by federal employees, guaranteed under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, to assist other employees with union representation.
“We are concerned that the recent Executive Orders embark upon a path that will undo many of the longstanding principles protected by law, which establish checks and balances not only in the federal workplace, but for the American public,” the House letter continues.
PASS and the entire labor community view these orders as an effort to weaken federal sector unions and attack employees.
“On behalf of the employees we represent at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense,” said PASS National President Mike Perrone, “I want to thank the lawmakers for their support for all federal workers who proudly serve their country.” PASS has assured its members that their collective bargaining agreements with the FAA remain in full force and effect as the union continues to monitor the situation.