Continuing the America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s Best of 2025 series, we revisit the July 25 conversation with Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and April Goggans, President of NTEU Chapter 250, who discussed the challenges facing federal workers. They addressed proposed budget cuts, workforce reductions and the impact on critical services provided by agencies such as the IRS and Health and Human Services.

Greenwald highlighted the NTEU's fight against what she called "unprecedented attacks" on federal employees and their unions. She emphasized that the proposed cuts are not about efficiency, but rather about dismantling services for the American people. Greenwald believes that reducing IRS staffing could lead to a significant decline in customer service levels, potentially returning to a service rate of only 12 to 16 percent for taxpayers seeking assistance.

Goggans shed light on what she called a chaotic situation within the Administration for Children and Families, part of the Department of Health and Human Services. She described a workplace where employees face constant uncertainty, with reorganizations happening without proper communication or planning. Goggans claimed that the staff reductions have left critical programs understaffed, forcing remaining employees to work overtime and weekends to maintain essential services, such as Head Start and child care assistance.

The union leaders stressed that these federal workers are providing vital services to the American public. They called for greater transparency in proposed cuts and reorganizations, arguing that federal employees themselves are the best resource to identify efficiencies. Greenwald and Goggans urged listeners to stay informed about these issues, as they directly impact the services taxpayers rely on.

Listen to the full episode to hear more about the challenges facing federal workers and the potential consequences for public services.