In Iowa City, the head of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the biggest union representing federal workers, expressed serious concerns on Monday over ongoing staff cuts that could severely impact member services and even threaten the union’s existence. Everett Kelley, the union’s national president, detailed how an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March led to a considerable downsizing, removing more than 200,000 dues-paying members, which constitutes roughly two-thirds of its membership.
The executive order revoked union rights from employees across various executive branch agencies, notably the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. AFGE, along with several other unions, has been challenging the order in court, citing it as illegal and retaliatory. However, Kelley noted the financial implications were already considerable as agencies had ceased collecting union dues via payroll deductions.
Faced with a substantial reduction in dues revenue leading to a significant financial shortfall, AFGE’s National Executive Council sanctioned a plan last month to reduce staff dramatically from 355 to 151. The union has extended offers of early retirement and buyouts to some employees, while others brace for impending layoffs.
“The impact will be devastating,” Kelley shared with reporters during a Zoom conference in celebration of Public Service Recognition Week. “Overcoming this challenge appears daunting, as our members expect us to maintain a set standard of service.” Already, local unions have been forewarned about anticipated delays in response times from national staff as well as reduced legal assistance on non-critical issues.
In an effort to stabilize its financial situation, Kelley is urging members to switch to having their dues automatically deducted from their bank accounts. Currently, approximately 120,000 members have opted into this system, as part of the overall 820,000 federal workers the union represents.
Kelley highlighted AFGE’s past successes in opposing Trump’s extensive restructuring and reduction of the federal workforce by initiating nine lawsuits and gaining public support. “We have been prevailing in both the courts of law and public opinion,” he remarked. “But Trump aims to silence us.”
A statement from White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended Trump’s decision, asserting that the order aimed to nullify collective bargaining agreements viewed as potentially endangering national security. “The President is committed to prioritizing public safety for the American populace,” she affirmed.