In Executive Order 14251, the President exercised authority under 5 U.S.C. § 7103(b)(1) to determine that, with limited exceptions, the DoD has a primary function involving intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work and the labor statute cannot be applied due to national security requirements. On April 9, 2026, Secretary Hegseth directed all Components to terminate Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and relationships with unions within 24 hours.
The unions representing the impacted bargaining units were officially notified of the CBA termination on Friday, 17 April 2026.
These changes have understandably raised questions about the future of our local and the purpose of union membership. While the legal landscape of our labor relationship has shifted, the fundamental necessity of a unified workforce has never been more critical.
Why Your Membership Matters Now
Being a dues-paying member in this new environment is not just about a contract; it is about protection, representation, and preparation.
-
Individual Advocacy & Legal Defense: While collective bargaining may be paused, your individual rights as a federal employee remain. Dues ensure that the local can provide expert representation during grievances, disciplinary actions, and EEO matters. Without the union, you are often left to navigate complex federal personnel law entirely on your own.
-
Legislative Strength: AFGE remains the primary voice for federal employees on Capitol Hill. Your dues fund the lobbying efforts required to protect your locality pay, your pension, and your healthcare benefits—matters that are decided by Congress, regardless of the DoD’s current stance on bargaining.
-
Operational Resilience: A union is an infrastructure. Maintaining your membership ensures that our local keeps the lights on, the office staffed, and the communication channels open. This ensures we are “shovel-ready” to resume full bargaining the moment the legal or political tides turn.
-
Information as Power: In times of administrative change, rumors often outpace reality. Dues-paying members receive verified, real-time updates on policy changes that affect their daily work-life, providing a layer of transparency that the agency may not offer.
What Being a Member Means Today
Membership is an investment in your professional security. It means that even if the agency chooses not to sit at the table with us collectively today, you still have a seat at the table through the national strength of AFGE.
We are not just a bargaining unit; we are a professional association dedicated to the dignity and fair treatment of the civilian workforce. By staying a dues-paying member, you are ensuring that when challenges arise—whether they are budgetary, safety-related, or personal—you are never standing alone.
Stay Informed. Stay Protected. Stay Union.
