Unions sue Trump administration to stop dismantling of FMCS agency

NEW YORK—In a significant move, the AFL-CIO, alongside several unions from both public and private sectors, has initiated legal proceedings against the Trump administration. This lawsuit addresses the controversial dismantling of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), citing actions that have included terminating mediators, reducing staff, and shutting down field offices nationwide.

FMCS plays a pivotal role in maintaining labor relations within the federal government, notably facilitating negotiations between employers and employees, which reportedly saves the national economy over $500 million annually. However, the administration's recent actions have led to a drastic reduction in FMCS operations, with nearly all staff being placed on leave, reducing the mediation staff from its optimal 80-100 down to just five, and leading to the closure of all field offices.

"FMCS is a little-known but critical government agency that works to bring labor and management together to solve problems between workers and employers—and it’s illegally under attack by Elon Musk and his DOGE," stated AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. She emphasized that the absence of FMCS would lead to prolonged contract negotiations and delay in enhanced wages and benefits resulting from collective bargaining. Shuler condemned the cuts as illogical and detrimental to taxpayers, businesses, and workers.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders expressed concern over the administration's actions, arguing, "We are filing this lawsuit because, once again, the administration is unlawfully shutting down an agency simply because billionaires do not like it. Hobbling employers’ and workers’ ability to negotiate will only hurt our communities." He highlighted that FMCS, with its modest $55 million budget, yields substantial economic savings, benefiting both workers and commerce.

Referring to the broader implications, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten remarked, "This case is about more than a single agency—it’s about upholding workers’ fundamental bargaining rights and protecting a foundation stone of labor relations in America." She noted the indispensable role FMCS has played in pivotal negotiations, like those with the Oregon Nurses Association and various charter schools.

The unions argue that the administration lacks the legal authority to dismantle FMCS through executive action. United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew expressed, "The Trump administration has no legal right to eliminate FMCS through executive action, and no rational reason to eliminate an agency that helps working people."

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, is supported by unions such as the AFL-CIO, AFGE, AFSCME, AFT, IAM, SEIU, and UFCW. These organizations stress the heightened risk of labor disputes as the lack of FMCS mediators could lead to expired contracts and increased likelihood of strikes or lockouts.

The lawsuit document is available for public viewing here.