In an unprecedented move, attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) are set to vote on forming the department’s first recognized union of litigators. The vote, scheduled to begin on December 12, comes against the backdrop of President-elect Donald Trump’s impending return to office, stirring anxiety among DOJ employees about potential threats to their job protections.
The elections will involve attorneys from the DOJ’s Civil Rights and Environment and Natural Resources divisions, with voting periods concluding on January 8 and 9, respectively. According to a spokesperson for the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the Federal Labor Relations Authority may be able to certify the results before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, depending on any challenges to the results that may arise.
This initiative reflects the apprehension among DOJ staff regarding Trump’s plans for federal employees. During his previous term, Trump expressed distrust in the DOJ workforce, and there are current concerns about his intention to implement policies that could disrupt federal operations. A notable catalyst for the union drive was the Biden administration’s mandate for reducing remote work flexibility, alongside Trump’s campaign promise to reinstate the “Schedule F” executive order aimed at removing employees deemed “rogue bureaucrats.” For more details, read the full article on Bloomberg Law.
The unionization effort required negotiations over the configuration of the bargaining units, including significant discussions with DOJ management. Initially, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division resisted the inclusion of its criminal attorneys under the union umbrella, citing national security concerns. However, an accord was reached before planned hearings with the FLRA took place.
As the unionization process unfolds (which you can read more about here), DOJ personnel remain focused on securing their rights amidst the ever-evolving political landscape. With Trump’s intentions for administrative changes unclear, DOJ employees are taking proactive steps to safeguard their work environment and professional future.