Trump’s New Executive Orders Shake Federal Workers
President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order that targets federal workers’ collective bargaining rights. Nearly one million employees across agencies such as NASA, the National Weather Service, and the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Health and Human Services are impacted.
While Trump claims the changes are necessary for national security, union leaders see them as the biggest attack on organized labor in modern history.
Why Public Sector Unions Matter More Than Ever
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The public sector has always been the stronghold of union power in America. About 19% of civilian federal workers belong to unions, compared to just 6% in the private sector. Almost half of the nation’s union members are employed by government agencies.
This makes federal unions central to the survival of the broader labor movement. Weakening them could create a domino effect that extends into corporate workplaces.
Public vs. Private Union Membership: A Snapshot
| Factor | Federal Workers (Public Sector) | Private Sector Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Union Membership Rate | 19% | 6% |
| Collective Bargaining | Now restricted by Trump orders | Already limited |
| Workforce Size Impacted | Nearly 1 million | Millions |
| Political Strength | Strong but under threat | Historically weaker |
Reagan’s Legacy and Trump’s Playbook
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Trump’s move draws comparisons to Ronald Reagan’s decision in 1981 to fire striking air traffic controllers. That action weakened unions for decades and normalized replacing striking workers.
Union leaders warn that Trump’s orders could be even more damaging. Instead of targeting one union, this order impacts an entire federal workforce, potentially setting a model for private companies to follow.
Union Momentum Before Trump’s Actions
Before these executive orders, unions were seeing a revival. Some notable developments included:
- Workers organizing at Amazon, Starbucks, Apple, and Volkswagen
- Major strikes at Boeing, Detroit automakers, and Hollywood studios
- Record contract wins at UPS and Costco without strikes
- Joe Biden’s open support, including joining an auto workers’ picket line
These wins gave workers renewed confidence after decades of decline. Trump’s actions now threaten to stall that progress.
Union Members Divided Over Trump
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Despite his tough stance on unions, Trump received 45% of votes from union households in 2024. Many workers supported his tariffs and promises to protect U.S. manufacturing jobs.
But critics point out that Trump’s policies consistently weakened organized labor—removing a National Labor Relations Board member, stopping automatic union dues deductions, and now curtailing collective bargaining rights.
What Lies Ahead for U.S. Labor Rights?
Federal unions are challenging Trump’s executive orders in court, though early rulings have been mixed. Labor leaders vow to continue fighting both politically and legally.
The question is whether this moment will be remembered as the beginning of union decline or as the spark that fuels stronger organizing nationwide.
Matt Biggs of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers expressed the determination of labor groups:
“Workers in this country are angry. The unions are not going anywhere. We’re becoming stronger.”
Conclusion
Trump’s executive orders have thrown America’s unions into a critical test. The outcome will shape the future of collective bargaining rights, union membership, and worker protections in both public and private sectors.
History shows moments like Reagan’s PATCO decision can define labor relations for generations. Now, Trump’s actions could prove just as pivotal—either as a devastating setback or a rallying point for a stronger labor movement.