A recent ruling by a federal appeals court has cleared a path for the Trump administration to move forward with its efforts to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many federal workers.
On a Thursday, a three-judge panel at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a lower court’s temporary order that had prevented the administration from waiving these rights for employees in over 20 agencies. This decision means the administration can continue its efforts to cancel collective bargaining agreements with most federal employee unions.
Despite this ruling, the appeals court pointed out that the administration had already started to end labor contracts before this decision came down. Earlier this month, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) advised agencies to proceed with these actions, contradicting its previous advice to hold off while the case was pending.
While the appeals court’s ruling is significant, it’s important to note that it does not address the broader legality of the executive orders issued by the administration. The court simply decided whether the lower court’s preliminary injunction should remain while the case is still under consideration.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which is leading the lawsuit against the administration, has expressed its intention to seek further review of this ruling. AFGE President Everett Kelley stated the organization is confident about winning when all the evidence is fully presented.
In March 2025, President Trump signed a major executive order that expanded the list of agencies exempt from collective bargaining, citing national security concerns. A follow-up order in August 2025 extended these exemptions even more.
The 1978 Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute allows for this kind of action regarding national security agencies. However, the unions argue that this move is retaliation because they have criticized the administration and filed lawsuits against it.
Judge Daniel Bress, writing for the appeals court, indicated that there was no clear evidence of retaliatory intent behind the executive orders. He dismissed claims from the unions that the orders were a response to their legal actions as lacking substantial support. In contrast, a federal judge in San Francisco had previously found that the unions presented a “serious question” about the legitimacy of the executive orders.
Interestingly, user reactions on social media show divisions around this issue, with many federal employees expressing concern over job security and fair labor practices. Polls indicate a growing sentiment among federal workers that the administration’s actions may undermine their rights.
As the legal battle unfolds, the unions continue to rally support, emphasizing the importance of protecting workers’ rights. They believe that the administration’s actions could set a concerning precedent for labor relations in the federal workforce.
For more on federal labor laws and related topics, you can visit the Federal Labor Relations Authority.
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