Federal Employees Challenge Trump’s Executive Orders Amid Shutdown

Providence, Rhode Island — A new lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees’ National VA Council challenges President Trump‘s executive orders that threaten the collective bargaining rights of federal workers. The lawsuit was submitted to the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island on Tuesday, amid a government shutdown that has left many federal employees furloughed.

The suit claims that the Veterans Affairs Department is violating both the executive orders and constitutional rights by improperly terminating union contracts and exempting some unions from these mandates. Unlike previous legal objections, it focuses on the role of VA Secretary Doug Collins in enforcing the orders rather than solely questioning Trump’s authority.

“Under the Administrative Procedure Act, the termination of AFGE’s union contract was arbitrary and capricious,” the suit asserts. It argues that Collins failed to provide any justification for his actions, which have resulted in inconsistent applications of the executive orders that disproportionately affect certain unions.

Collins’ decision to exempt a small number of unions while evaluating collective bargaining rights based on their political activity is highlighted as a central issue. Critics argue that this approach undermines the legitimacy of the executive orders and the rights of affected workers.

The lawsuit also emphasizes that the chaotic situation at various VA facilities arose because employees have been stripped of their rights while others retain them, leading to confusion and disunity among workers.

Meanwhile, the ongoing government shutdown has exacerbated the plight of federal employees, many of whom are volunteering in their communities despite being unpaid. Some have participated in a project called “Service Through Shutdown” to continue serving their communities.

As employees grapple with these challenges, organizations like 27 UNIHTED and Wellfed have organized food drives, collecting over 1,000 pounds of food for local banks during recent protests against the Trump administration’s handling of the shutdown.

Despite financial hardships, federal workers are committed to supporting their communities, illustrating their dedication to public service even amidst personal struggles. Efforts to assist furloughed workers are expanding, with community-based initiatives aiming to help them navigate these difficult times.