This week, some members of Congress reached out to the White House in unified opposition to President Trump’s recently issued Executive Orders issued on May 25, 2018. The Executive Orders were a direct attack on federal employees and the unions that represent them. Concerned House members urged the President to uphold the current law and long-standing federal labor statutes that protect America's civil service from discrimination, unfair treatment, and sexual harassment. The letter outlined the importance of employee representation rights, collective bargaining, and due process, highlighting the need to work collaboratively to ensure that the workplace is safe, fair, and productive.
A contingency of Senators also raised collective objections, in a letter to OPM Director Jeff T.H. Pon, to Trump Administration proposals to cut federal retirement benefits to federal and postal employees. Specifically, the group addressed legislative and budget proposals that would increase Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) contributions from employees, eliminate the FERS supplement for employees who retire beginning in 2018, base retirement calculations on the average of the highest 5 years of salary instead of the current 3, and reduce or eliminate cost-of-living adjustments. The Senators wrote in part, “we urge you to move past draconian cuts that harm the financial security of federal employees in every state across the country, and instead commit to comprehensive reforms that modernize our government's compensation system in a way that encourages the best and brightest talent to join the ranks of our dedicated civil servants.”
The Executive Orders issued by the White House on May 25, 2018, and the various legislative and budget proposals emanating from the Trump Administration, should remind members that elections have consequences. As we approach the 2018 midterm elections, you are encouraged to register and vote.
Both referenced letters are linked below:
June 11, 2018- Congress Expresses Objections to White House (pdf)
June 13, 2018- Senate Opposes Harmful Changes in Letter to OPM Director Pon (pdf)
