President Donald Trump has issued executive orders aimed at stripping nearly half a million federal workers of their union rights, marking another step in his ongoing campaign to limit collective bargaining power for government employees. The decision is part of a larger strategy to address national security concerns, with Trump asserting that these workers’ functions are critical to the nation’s defense.
Edwin Osorio, president of Local 3369, the union representing the Social Security Administration, highlighted the significance of these changes during a press conference in New York last month. Osorio expressed concern over the potential impact on worker morale and service quality, arguing that the ability to collectively bargain is essential for maintaining fair wages and working conditions.
This move aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to reduce union influence, particularly in sectors he perceives as crucial to national security. Critics argue that such actions could undermine worker protections and lead to increased costs for government services. However, supporters of the policy claim it is necessary to streamline operations and ensure that federal agencies can operate efficiently without the constraints of collective bargaining agreements.