Doreen Greenwald, President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the threats facing federal workers’ collective bargaining agreements, the impact of budget cuts on IRS operations and the importance of protecting federal employee data.
The Trump administration's efforts to dismantle collective bargaining agreements for federal workers have prompted legal action from the NTEU. Greenwald explained that an executive order eliminated bargaining rights for about 70 percent of federal workers under the guise of national security. The NTEU filed a lawsuit and secured temporary injunctive relief to maintain union representation rights while the case proceeds. Greenwald emphasized the importance of these contracts in providing transparency, improving workplace conditions and attracting talent to federal service.
Budget cuts and attempts to reduce IRS staffing have significantly impacted the agency's ability to fulfill its mission. Greenwald highlighted how the Inflation Reduction Act provided crucial funding to address technology issues and staffing shortages, particularly in complex audit areas. However, recent pushes to rescind funding and fire newly hired employees threaten these improvements. Greenwald warned that further reductions would hinder taxpayer services, close local offices and eliminate jobs in communities across the nation.
Greenwald expressed deep concern over the administration's efforts to access and potentially misuse sensitive federal employee data. She described the Department of Government Efficiency group's unauthorized access to agency information as a breach of privacy laws and a threat to data security. Greenwald called for Congressional oversight to protect federal employees and the American public from potential misuse of this information. She emphasized the need for federal unions to unite against these attacks, which she views as a precursor to broader anti-union efforts.
Listen to the full episode above to hear more from Greenwald on federal workers' challenges and the NTEU's efforts to protect their rights.