On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, discussed the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to cancel the Transportation Security Administration workers' collective bargaining agreement, the possible impact of the Protect America's Workforce Act and recent controversial changes to aviation safety rules.
Regan began by outlining the Department of Homeland Security's decision to terminate the TSA workers' collective bargaining agreement, effective Jan. 11, 2026. He described the move as “particularly galling,” given the sacrifices TSA workers made during the government shutdown, emphasizing that the argument using national security to deny union rights is both outdated and unfounded. Regan explained the morale and workplace improvements that unions bring to federal agencies, stating that the loss of union representation threatens labor peace, accountability and the retention of much-needed workers.
Next, Regan discussed the passage of the Protect America's Workforce Act in the House, which seeks to restore and protect collective bargaining rights for federal employees. He expressed concern about the timing of TSA's contract cancellation following this legislative progress, calling it, “a weird form of retribution.” While recognizing increased bipartisan support for worker rights, Regan cautioned that Senate action remains uncertain, underlining the importance of ongoing labor advocacy to counter what he described as one of the largest periods of union busting in U.S. history.
Finally, Regan highlighted last-minute changes to the National Defense Authorization Act that weaken aviation safety rules around Washington, D.C.’s airspace. He described the rollback as surprising, noting that it contradicted the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendations. Regan pointed out that U.S. Senate leaders have been receptive to corrective legislation and expressed hope for stronger aviation reforms moving forward. He concluded that labor’s role is to keep policy issues front and center, striving for accountability and improvements that benefit both federal employees and the general public.
For more from Regan, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.
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