The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has begun stripping thousands of federal health agency employees of their collective bargaining rights, a move that unions say is illegal and undermines the workforce.
HHS officials confirmed on Friday that the department has ended recognition of certain unions, reclaiming office space and equipment previously designated for union activities. The decision effectively cuts off avenues for federal employees to engage in organized bargaining over workplace conditions, pay protections, and safety measures.
The action marks the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to curb federal employee unions. Other agencies affected by similar actions include the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In May, an appeals court ruled that the administration could proceed with President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting collective bargaining rights while ongoing legal challenges continue to play out.
“This action ensures that HHS resources and personnel are fully focused on safeguarding the health and security of the American people,” HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement.
Unions, however, argue that collective bargaining supports – rather than hinders – the mission of federal health agencies. Officials with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents many HHS workers, contend that strong labor contracts help maintain a stable, experienced, and resilient workforce at agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Some employees said the union has been particularly vital during recent crises, including mass layoffs and the August 8 shooting at the CDC’s main campus in Atlanta. In the aftermath, the union advocated for improvements to the agency’s emergency alert system and increased security measures.
The impact extends beyond the CDC. Other agencies within HHS facing the rollback of union rights include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, and the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the Administration for Children and Families.
Union leaders warn that removing collective bargaining rights threatens both employee morale and public safety. “Our contracts ensure that the government is staffed with skilled professionals who can respond quickly to public health emergencies,” an AFGE representative said.
The move has already triggered sharp criticism from labor groups, which plan to continue challenging the legality of the administration’s strategy. Meanwhile, thousands of federal employees across the health sector are left uncertain about their rights at a time when agencies face mounting public health challenges.
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