Unions and Allies File Lawsuit to Block DOGE's Data Takeover

AFL-CIO and Allies Intensify Legal Battle Against DOGE's Data Acquisition

In a significant legal escalation, a coalition encompassing the AFL-CIO, various unions, and an economic think tank has broadened their lawsuit aimed at preventing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive data of American workers. This move highlights the ongoing concerns over data privacy and the safeguarding of essential government services.

(Washington, D.C.)—The coalition, consisting of the AFL-CIO, AFGE, AFSCME, AFT, CWA, SEIU, and the Economic Policy Institute, among other partners, has filed an amended lawsuit to protect private information held by the Department of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

The lawsuit intensifies the initial challenge against DOGE's efforts to obtain vital data from the DOL, potentially undermining the agency's ability to protect workers’ rights and safety. As described in the complaint, DOGE is accused of attempting to access sensitive systems before judicial intervention, dismantling agencies prematurely, and intimidating employees, resulting in "catastrophic" outcomes.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler expressed the coalition's commitment to resisting DOGE's actions, 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."

AFGE National President Everett Kelley criticized Elon Musk's involvement, saying, "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 emphasized the need for legal intervention, declaring, "Working people deserve a government that will protect their privacy and hold corporations that break the law accountable."

AFT President Randi Weingarten warned against the implications of DOGE's actions, explaining, "This may be one of the biggest data hacks in U.S. history," and criticized Musk's motives as undermining privacy for personal gain.

CWA President Claude Cummings Jr highlighted Musk's history of opposing union efforts, asserting that the data acquisition is not intended to benefit workers but to enrich those at the top.

SEIU President April Verrett underscored the importance of medical privacy, stating, "Medical privacy is the cornerstone of quality patient care and necessary for improving health outcomes."

EPI President Heidi Shierholz called for bipartisan resistance to DOGE's actions, stating, "No responsible policymaker—whatever their political party—should tolerate this."

The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, uniting various unions and organizations, including Economic Action Maryland Fund and Virginia Poverty Law Center, in this critical legal battle.

For more details, the complete complaint is available here.

Contact: Mia Jacobs, 202-637-5018