BGOV OnPoint: Trump Union Bans Add Blow to Federal Workers

Oct. 9, 2025, 9:05 AM UTC

President Donald Trump blocked more than a million federal employees from union activities earlier this year, part of his continuing effort to limit workers’ rights that’s escalated during the government shutdown.

Trump issued two executive orders excluding more than 40 agencies and offices from federal bargaining rights under a 1978 law that allows the president to do so for national security reasons. The administration has also moved to cancel union contracts and cease arbitration proceedings.

Download the BGOV OnPoint: Trump Takes Aim at Public Sector Labor Rights

Federal workers already have limited bargaining rights. Unions can’t negotiate over federal pay, ...

Learn more about Bloomberg Law or Log In to keep reading:

Learn About Bloomberg Law

AI-powered legal analytics, workflow tools and premium legal & business news.

Already a subscriber?

Log in to keep reading or access research tools.