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Union Solidarity Update: Standing Against “Surplus” Designations

The Union is taking aggressive action to protect our members following recent Agency moves to remove permanent employees in Warren under the labels of “over-hire” and “surplus.” We believe these designations are being used as a shortcut to bypass the formal Reduction in Force (RIF) process and the vital employee protections that come with it.

Recent Actions Taken

On Friday, Union leadership held a high-level meeting with Senator Gary Peters’ staff to provide an urgent update on these local developments. During this briefing, we highlighted:

- Circumventing the RIF Process: Our concern that the Agency is utilizing “surplus” terminology to remove permanent staff without the transparency or legal requirements of a standard RIF.
- Refusal to Negotiate: We shared direct communications from management showing their refusal to bargain over the terms of these notices. They are currently citing EO 14251, a matter that remains tied up in the court system, as their justification for avoiding the bargaining table.
- The Demand for Transparency: We are fighting for full disclosure on how these staff reductions were determined and ensuring every impacted employee is treated with the fairness they deserve to make the best decisions for their families.

How You Can Help

The Union needs your active support to continue this fight. We cannot allow these actions to go unchallenged. We urge all bargaining unit employees to take the following steps:

- 1. Report Your Concerns: Contact the Union office immediately if you have received a notice or have information regarding these staff reductions.
  2. Contact Your Representatives: Let your Congressional representatives know that permanent employees are being targeted through “over-hire” labels and demand they look into these Agency actions.
  3. Stay Informed: Attend all upcoming Union meetings. This is where we will disseminate the latest information and tactical updates as they become available.

Unity is our greatest strength. We will continue to demand accountability and protect the jobs of those who serve.

Catch Up on Union Business!

If you miss any Membership Meeting, you can CLICK HERE to see the agenda and all documents discussed. DO NOT view these documents on GFE. Ensure that you receive these meeting notifications by verifying your personal email address with Echo Hunt (echo.hunt@afge1658.org)

Your Union is working to protect your rights and we have been successful in blocking several of the Executive Orders (EOs) that were meant to silence our voices. Don’t feel hopeless, contact your representative to voice your support for AFGE 1658! Call your friends who live in Republican-controlled States and have them contact their representatives! We must join together and work in solidarity. For more details, click here!

Community Movements Are Powerful! Click Here to view AFGE actions you can participate in.

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