On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the AFL-CIO, gave listeners a detailed look at the ongoing fight to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers. He highlighted the Protect America’s Workforce Act and the legislative process currently underway to pass the bill in Congress.
Calemine began by providing historical context to the current fight, describing the Trump administration’s executive order as the most significant act of union busting in American history. According to Calemine, the labor movement’s response was both swift and unified, resulting in an initial bipartisan letter signed by all House Democrats and several Republicans. This effort culminated in the introduction of the Protect America’s Workforce Act, sponsored by U.S. Representatives Jared Golden of Maine and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. The bill quickly gained majority support in the House, reflecting broad, cross-party recognition of the importance of collective bargaining rights in the federal workforce.
Next, Calemine’s focused on the unusual legislative mechanism being employed: the discharge petition. Typically, if House leadership refuses to bring a bill to the floor, a majority of members can override that block by signing such a petition, forcing consideration regardless of leadership’s agenda. A majority of the House has signed the petition, triggering a countdown for the bill’s formal introduction and, ultimately, a required vote, Calemine said. He also warned of possible procedural maneuvers that could delay or derail the process, but remained confident that public and worker pressure could keep the bill moving forward.
Finally, Calemine acknowledged the challenges ahead if the bill passes the House, notably in the Senate and the possibility of a presidential veto. However, he drew attention to recent legislative victories achieved through similar tactics, demonstrating that determined organizing and bipartisan cooperation can yield results even in a divided Congress. Pointing to strong public support for union rights, Calemine urged listeners to continue advocating so that the Protect America’s Workforce Act can restore fundamental workplace protections to federal employees nationwide.
For more from Calemine, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.