Unions Sue Trump Administration Over Federal Mediation Service Cuts

Labor Unions Challenge Trump Administration Over FMCS Dismantling

NEW YORK – A coalition of labor unions, led by the AFL-CIO, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, protesting the significant reduction of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). The restructuring has involved dismissing mediators and staff and closing field offices nationwide, actions that the unions claim are illegal.

The FMCS, an independent federal agency, plays a vital role in the labor relations landscape by facilitating contract negotiations between workers and employers, reportedly saving the national economy over $500 million annually. However, recent budget cuts have drastically impacted its operations, leaving only 7% of its workforce and reducing its mediation team from the necessary 80-100 to just five members, while all field offices have been shuttered.

The legal complaint asserts that these measures violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the U.S. Constitution, effectively preventing FMCS from fulfilling its congressional mandate.

“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,” remarked AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. She highlighted the potential consequences, including prolonged contract negotiations and delayed wage and benefits improvements, questioning the economic rationale behind the cuts.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders echoed these sentiments, criticizing the administration's decision as detrimental to communities. “Hobbling employers’ and workers’ ability to negotiate will only hurt our communities,” he stated, emphasizing the FMCS's role in mediating collective bargaining and other disputes, which contributes significantly to economic stability.

AFT President Randi Weingarten underscored the broader implications of the case: “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 FMCS's involvement in crucial negotiations, such as those during the Oregon Nurses’ Association’s strike, which are now threatened by the administration's actions.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, condemned the attempts to abolish FMCS, arguing that they aim to undermine union rights rather than save taxpayer money. “It’s shameful, it’s wasteful, and it must be stopped,” he stated.

Union leaders from various sectors have joined the lawsuit, including Michael Mulgrew of the United Federation of Teachers and Brian Bryant of the IAM Union, both criticizing the administration for what they see as an attack on collective bargaining rights.

SEIU President April Verrett emphasized the broader impact on public service workers and communities, asserting, “This isn’t just about protecting federal workers and their unions. It’s about protecting our communities.”

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, is supported by several unions, including AFL-CIO, AFGE, AFSCME, AFT, IAM, SEIU, and UFCW. These organizations have relied on FMCS mediators for labor disputes and negotiations, many of which have been disrupted by the recent changes.

The full complaint is accessible here.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) represents over 820,000 employees in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. For more information, visit the AFGE Media Center.

The IAM Union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.

The AFT includes 1.8 million members in education, healthcare, and public service sectors.