Washington, DC – Anti-federal worker provisions were dropped from Trump’s Big Ugly Bill by Senate and Congress.
During the days leading up to the House and Senate votes, AFGE worked hard to oppose measures that would have devastated the federal workforce, the civil service, and unions’ ability to represent federal employees.
Here’s a summary what was removed by Congress from Trump’s Ugly bill:
At-will employment – This provision would have made future federal employees at-will and forced them to pay 9.4% toward retirement, or 14.4% if they want to retain their civil service rights. As at-will employees, they won’t have civil service protections against unfair treatment and disciplinary actions such as due process, protection against discrimination, and rights to organize and join a union. (Senate version)
10% charge on union dues – This provision would have imposed a 10% tax on all union dues collected through payroll. (Senate version)
Charge for official time and office space – This provision would have required unions to pay the entire cost of official time for union representatives, including salary and benefits, plus all union office space and resources. Unions that cannot pay would be debarred. (Senate version)
MSPB filing fee – The provision would have imposed a $350 filing fee for claims and appeals filed with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). (Senate version)
FERS increase to 4.4% for all employees – This provision would have required all federal workers regardless of when they were hired to contribute 4.4% of their paychecks to the Federal Employees Retirement System. (House version)
High 5 instead of high 3 – This provision would have significantly reduced pension amounts by changing
the way pensions are calculated from their three highest-paid years to
their five highest-paid years. (House version)
Unchecked reorganization authority – This provision would have allowed the administration to unilaterally reorganize and shut down agencies created by Congress without congressional approval. (House version)
At-will employment – The provision would have charged new federal employees 9.4% of their salaries unless they permanently renounce their labor protections under Title 5 and become at-will employees. (House version)
The fight to defend civil service and public employees is continuing.
