This past Labor Day we were reminded of the generations of struggle that secured core workplace protections like fair wages, safe conditions, and the right to organize. But as we reflected on those victories, the Trump administration has taken unprecedented action to dismantle them, cancelling union contracts for hundreds of thousands of federal workers. Citing “national security,” the administration has targeted the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture and more, leaving over 400,000 federal employees without collective bargaining protections.
Here is a list of federal agencies that have ended most or all of their collective bargaining procedures:
· Department of Health and Human Services
· Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
· Food Safety and Inspection Service
· U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
· Federal Emergency Management Agency
· Environmental Protection Agency
· Department of Veterans Affairs
There is no doubt these actions will create ripple effects for injured workers. At the VA, the loss of union protections weakens employees’ ability to fight for safe staffing levels, manageable caseloads, and whistleblower safeguards, all of which can directly impact patient care for California’s 1 million+ veterans. At the EPA, eliminating bargaining rights threatens the enforcement of environmental standards that protect California communities and workplaces.
California has one of the strongest traditions of union representation in the country. While Trump has limited legal jurisdiction over state or private-sector unions here under the National Labor Relations Act, that does not mean he won’t attempt to expand his reach. Through baseless rhetoric and political maneuvering, he has already shown a willingness to undermine unions in any way possible. California’s labor movement, which has set national standards for worker protections, must be vigilant in resisting these attacks.
Applicants’ attorneys understand that union protections and workers’ compensation rights go hand-in-hand. Both ensure that when workers are injured or retaliated against, they have recourse, dignity, and fairness. As we mark Labor Day, this moment reminds us that defending union rights is not just about preserving past victories, it is about protecting the foundation of justice for every worker. California must continue to lead in this fight and CAAA stands with organized labor to ensure that collective bargaining remains a cornerstone of workplace democracy.
