HHS appears to be like to strip hundreds of federal employees of union rights
NEW YORK — The U.S. Division of Well being and Human Providers has moved to strip hundreds of federal well being company staff of their collective bargaining rights, in response to a union that known as the trouble unlawful.
HHS officers confirmed Friday that the division is ending its recognition of unions for a variety of staff, and are reclaiming workplace house and tools that had been used for union actions.
It’s the newest transfer by the Trump administration to place an finish to collective bargaining with unions that signify federal staff. Beforehand affected companies embody the Division of Veterans Affairs and the Environmental Safety Company.
In Could, an appeals courtroom stated the administration may transfer ahead with President Donald Trump’s government order geared toward ending collective bargaining rights for a whole bunch of hundreds of federal staff whereas a lawsuit performs out.
“This motion ensures that HHS assets and personnel are absolutely centered on safeguarding the well being and safety of the American folks,” HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon stated in a press release.
Officers with the American Federation of Authorities Staff stated sturdy union contracts don’t hinder sturdy responses to public well being emergencies. Fairly, they assist make companies just like the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention have a steady, skilled and supported workforce, the union stated.
Some CDC staff stated the union has been a supply of data and advocacy for the company’s staff throughout layoffs this yr and within the wake of the Aug. 8 assault on the CDC’s foremost campus in Atlanta.
Since then, the union has been attempting to advocate for a greater emergency alert system and higher safety.
Different affected companies embody the Meals and Drug Administration, the Nationwide Institutes of Well being, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, and on the Workplace of Refugee Resettlement throughout the Administration for Youngsters and Households.
— Mike Stobbe
