Matt Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss pressing issues facing federal workers following the start of President Trump’s second term in office.
The Trump administration's recent offer for federal employees to resign in exchange for extended pay has sparked significant concern. Biggs criticized the move as reckless and disrespectful to the workers. He highlighted the potential risks to national security and essential services if federal workers accept the offer. Biggs emphasized the lack of legal basis for this proposal and the administration's misleading claims about telework.
Elon Musk's involvement in the U.S. Treasury has raised alarms for Biggs about the concentration of power in the hands of an unelected billionaire. Biggs expressed his concern over an unelected, non-American billionaire controlling $6 trillion in government funds and the potential implications for government spending and accountability.
The administration's challenge to Collective Bargaining Agreements negotiated during the Biden administration has strained relations with federal unions. Biggs outlined the legal violations involved and the IFPTE’s plans to seek injunctive relief. He stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of these agreements to protect workers' rights.
Listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights from Biggs about these important issues.