Federal Employees' Unions Experience Unprecedented Growth Amid Trump’s Policies and Other Labor News

Record membership surge as federal employee unions fight back against DOGE attacks, plus other significant labor updates

In recent labor news, federal employee unions have experienced an extraordinary surge in membership as they confront unprecedented challenges under President Trump’s administration and his alliance with tech mogul Elon Musk. These changes come amidst other notable developments across labor movements nationwide, including wage theft charges in Minnesota, the reopening of Mayday Café as a worker cooperative, and evolving political sentiment about economic concerns.

Federal Employees Joining Unions in Record Numbers to Resist Trump’s Executive Orders

For federal workers, the current climate in the workplace has become one of the most distressing periods in recent history. Employees are inundated with unclear and often contradictory directives from the government, contributing to a deep sense of frustration. Regina Marsh, a 37-year veteran of the Social Security Administration, describes the current situation as “degrading” and “terrorizing.” Despite her long career in government, Marsh feels that the stability she once found in her work is now overshadowed by the pervasive challenges posed by the Trump administration.

The surge in union membership is particularly significant considering the Supreme Court’s 2018 Janus vs. AFSCME ruling, which made it optional for public employees to pay dues. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal union, has grown by 14,000 members in just five weeks, reaching a historic membership of 319,233 active members. This growth marks a significant shift as workers increasingly seek protection from the sweeping changes initiated by the administration.

The union's efforts are aimed at protecting federal workers from a barrage of executive orders that seek to shrink the federal workforce and remove employees deemed “disloyal.” In response, AFGE and other unions have filed lawsuits challenging various directives, including those making civil servants easier to fire and those proposing illegal and unfunded buyouts. Unions have been particularly vocal about President Trump’s initiative, “Department of Government Efficiency,” which many argue compromises the integrity of civil service protections.

Jacob Romans, president of AFGE Local 3669, represents healthcare workers at the Minneapolis VA, where union membership has also increased dramatically. Many workers, like Romans' colleagues, are deeply uncertain about their future as Trump’s policies continue to impact their work environment, including potential threats to remote work policies.

Minnesota Dairy Farmer Faces Rare Criminal Charges for Wage Theft

In another significant labor-related story, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced felony criminal charges against Keith Schaefer, the owner of Evergreen Acres, a dairy operation accused of stealing millions in wages from hundreds of workers. The charges are a direct result of Schaefer’s alleged exploitation of labor laws and mistreatment of employees, particularly undocumented workers, in one of the most severe cases of wage theft in Minnesota’s history.

According to court documents, Schaefer’s operation involved multiple violations, including forcing a 15-year-old employee to work over 80 hours per week and threatening workers with deportation if they complained about unpaid wages. The case has become a significant example of how labor laws can be enforced against those who attempt to exploit vulnerable workers.

Mayday Café Reopens as Worker Cooperative

In an uplifting development, Mayday Café in South Minneapolis has reopened its doors as a worker-owned cooperative. The café, a beloved local institution for over three decades, was purchased by its workers with financial support from the community and the city of Minneapolis. This move marks a notable example of successful worker ownership, providing the employees with both job security and decision-making power in their workplace.

Political Polls Reveal Americans’ Growing Discontent Over Economic Policies

In a recent survey conducted by the New York Times and Ipsos, Americans expressed widespread concerns about the economy, with many feeling that Democrats, in particular, are not adequately addressing their economic concerns. The poll highlights a disconnect between the priorities of voters and the issues that are often front and center in Democratic policy agendas. As a result, some factions within the Democratic Party are pushing to regain the trust of working-class voters, exemplified by the $50 million investment into a new “Win Them Back Fund” for House Democrats.

Whole Foods Challenges Union Election in Philadelphia

In a case that has drawn national attention, Whole Foods, owned by Amazon, is contesting the first successful union election at one of its stores in Philadelphia. The election, in which 130 workers voted in favor of unionizing, has been challenged by the company on the grounds of alleged unfair promises and intimidation tactics during the campaign. Whole Foods contends that the union promised workers substantial wage increases in exchange for their votes, and is seeking to invalidate the results of the election.

This dispute raises questions about Amazon’s broader stance on labor rights and its continued efforts to block unionization in its network of stores and warehouses. Union leaders argue that Amazon’s legal challenges are part of an overarching strategy to undermine workers’ rights and avoid bargaining in good faith.

These developments reflect broader labor trends in the U.S., with union membership on the rise as workers face challenges ranging from political interference to wage theft and corporate resistance to unionization. The struggle for fair labor practices is ongoing, but the tide may be shifting as unions push back against growing corporate and political pressures.