John,

In the dead of night, Donald Trump’s administration issued a disgraceful and retaliatory Executive Order declaring war on working people by denying our collective bargaining rights.

This order was a direct attack on the rights of one million of patriotic American civil servants – targeted simply because they are members of a union that stands up to this administration’s harmful policies.

Trump’s order claims to be in response to national security concerns, but that’s plainly ridiculous. Elon Musk and Donald Trump Trump don’t like that the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union is standing up for their members against attempts to politicize the civil service and chaotically fire federal employees and cut services to the American people. These federal workers have had union rights since before America went to the moon. A union nurse at the VA isn’t a threat to national security.

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. Federal unions are in the crosshairs now, but if they get away with this, every working person will be next.

AFGE is preparing immediate legal action and will fight relentlessly to protect our rights, our members, and all working Americans from these unprecedented attacks.

This is an existential threat to our union. Can you make a donation to our legal defense fund? We can only win if we all stand together. We’re grateful to Democracy for America Advocacy Fund for their solidarity. Please, split a donation today!

Trump’s threat to unions and working people across America is clear: fall in line or else.

These threats will not work. Americans will not be intimidated or silenced. AFGE isn't going anywhere. Our members have bravely served this nation, often putting themselves in harm’s way, and they deserve far better than this blatant attempt at political punishment.

Unions fight for the interests of the workers who make our society function. An attack on unions is as serious as Trump’s attempts to control the media and his packing of the courts – It’s an attack on democracy itself.

Trump is trying to use the presidency to silence dissent and control workers. Just like any other union-busting boss, Trump wants a culture of fear and compliance. That's antithetical to what it means to be American which is why working people beyond the federal workforce are standing up to resist Trump’s authoritarian edicts.

Trump’s lawfare strategy is clear: to force us to drain our resources and our morale with endless court battles. Your support right now will make the difference.

Donate today to help AFGE take Donald Trump to court and defend working people!

Let’s set the record straight about federal unions:

• Federal unions cannot negotiate over pay, benefits, or hiring/firing decisions.

• Unlike private-sector unions, federal unions are limited to bargaining over conditions of employment – not wages, benefits, or classifications, which are set by law and Congress.

• Federal employees are prohibited by law from striking.

• Under 5 U.S.C. § 7311, federal workers are legally barred from striking, and doing so can result in termination and a ban from federal employment.

• Nearly one-third of federal employees are veterans.

• Many federal workers are former service members who bring leadership, discipline, and mission commitment to their civilian roles. Stripping their bargaining rights is a betrayal of that service.

• Collective bargaining is governed by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.

• This bipartisan law created a structured process for federal workers to address workplace issues without disrupting government operations.

• Unions improve agency performance – not hinder it.

• Collective bargaining helps resolve conflicts early, reduces costly litigation, improves retention, and boosts morale – all of which support better public service.

• Removing bargaining rights opens the door to abuse.

• Without union representation, employees – especially whistleblowers and veterans – lose vital protections from retaliation and political interference.

• Federal unionism has broad historical support.

• Presidents from both parties – Reagan, Clinton, Bush, Obama – have upheld the right of federal workers to union representation.

We’re taking Trump to court, and we will win. Standing united, we cannot be defeated. Support our movement by donating to Democracy for America Advocacy Fund and AFGE’s legal fund today!

In solidarity,

Everett Kelley
President
American Federation of Government Employees