AFL-CIO President Condemns Cuts to Federal Mediation Service

In a move that has drawn significant criticism, the Trump administration has made substantial reductions to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), an agency crucial for resolving labor disputes. These reductions include the closure of field offices and a significant decrease in the number of mediators and staff employed by the agency.

The FMCS plays a vital role in facilitating negotiations between labor and management, helping to resolve conflicts and avert disruptions that can arise from labor disputes. The decision to downsize this agency could lead to prolonged contract negotiations and delays in the implementation of new union contracts, which are essential for increasing wages and improving worker benefits. Moreover, this could result in economic disruptions stemming from strikes and lockouts, preventing skilled employees from performing their duties.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler expressed strong opposition to these changes, stating, "Dismantling the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service—a small but important federal agency—will be a destructive move for workers, businesses, and the economy as a whole." She emphasized that such actions are detrimental to those who earn a living through honest work, potentially stifling the growth of good union jobs that offer fair contracts benefiting both workers and employers.

This reduction aligns with accusations that the administration prioritizes the interests of billionaires over working-class citizens. Liz Shuler has indicated that legal actions may follow, noting, "we’ll see the administration in court."

For further information, contact Mia Jacobs at 202-637-5018.