Unions and Allies Expand Legal Fight Against Elon Musk's Data Seizure

Coalition Challenges DOGE's Data Acquisition in Court

A diverse coalition including labor unions, economic policy groups, and other organizations is intensifying its legal battle against the data operations of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The coalition, consisting of entities such as AFL-CIO, AFGE, AFSCME, AFT, CWA, SEIU, and the Economic Policy Institute, aims to protect Americans' confidential data from being improperly accessed.

Washington, D.C.—The legal challenge, according to an amended complaint, seeks to prevent DOGE from accessing and misusing sensitive information housed at federal agencies like the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The lawsuit addresses DOGE’s attempts to gather data from the DOL, as Elon Musk reportedly moves towards an aggressive strategy of data acquisition. This approach has raised concerns about the integrity of essential government services and the protection of citizens’ rights and privacy.

According to the complaint, DOGE aims “to gain access to sensitive agency systems of data before courts can stop them, dismantle agencies before Congress can assert its Constitutional prerogatives in the federal budget, and intimidate and threaten employees who stand in their way, without regard for the consequences.” The complaint highlights previous actions where DOGE allegedly seized control of crucial information systems and personnel data, resulting in significant disruptions.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler emphasized the threat posed by DOGE's activities, stating, “Unions and allies will vigorously fight DOGE’s attempt to put working people at risk through reckless actions that endanger workers and our families.”

Echoing this sentiment, AFGE National President Everett Kelley remarked, “What Elon Musk is doing is not an audit—it’s an illegal violation of American citizens’ most sensitive personal information by an unelected billionaire.” AFSCME President Lee Saunders also criticized Musk's actions, suggesting that his wealth and political influence do not entitle him to bypass legal constraints.

Concerns about data privacy extend to healthcare, as AFT President Randi Weingarten warned of potential data breaches involving Americans' Social Security numbers and medical records. Similarly, SEIU President April Verrett stressed the need for medical privacy, arguing that patient care should not be compromised by external threats.

CWA President Claude Cummings Jr highlighted Musk’s history of anti-union actions and suggested that the data seizure efforts serve the interests of wealthy individuals rather than workers. Reinforcing the coalition's stance, EPI President Heidi Shierholz urged policymakers to reject DOGE's actions and protect citizens' data.

This lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, represents a united front by labor unions and advocacy groups against the perceived overreach by DOGE and its implications for data security and privacy. For more details, the full complaint can be accessed here.