FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2025

North Shore AFL-CIO Condemns Trump Executive Order That Illegally Strips Federal Workers of Collective Bargaining Rights

CLEVELAND, OH – In a sweeping attack on federal workers, Donald Trump has signed an executive order eliminating collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees—including right here in Northeast Ohio.  

Following Trump’s order, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memo directing federal agencies to end union rights, shut down grievance procedures, take away union representation, and rip up existing union contracts. Using a distorted interpretation of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, Trump is trying to justify this action under the guise of "national security."  

Let’s be clear: this is not about national security—it’s retaliation against workers who are standing up for their rights.

This latest assault builds on the administration’s earlier move to terminate the collective bargaining agreement for tens of thousands of TSA employees, an action the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) rightfully called an “unprovoked attack.” It’s clear: Trump isn’t just eroding labor rights—he’s dismantling them.

“The right to collectively bargain is fundamental—not just for federal workers, but for all working people,” said Brian Pearson, Executive Secretary of the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor. “This is union-busting at the highest level. Stripping federal workers of their union rights is a clear attempt to silence them, weaken their power, and crush organized labor nationwide. But make no mistake—we won’t back down.”

As AFGE prepares legal action, we stand ready to support our affiliate unions in this fight. We call on all union members and allies to raise their voices, take action, and stand in solidarity against this blatant attack on workers’ rights.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Brian Pearson, bpearson@clevelandaflcio.org or 216-881-7200

The North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor is Ohio’s largest central labor council, representing the collective voice of 80,000 working people across Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties.