AFGE Local 2883

 

Legal Update— 9th Circuit Puts Collective Bargaining Back on Hold for Now 

A federal appeals court granted the government's motion to pause a lower court order that protected AFGE and other federal unions from harmful executive actions. 

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What happened: 

The district court originally sided with unions, finding they would suffer "irreparable harm" from reduced dues collection, loss of collective bargaining rights, and weakened union support. The court also ruled that protecting collective bargaining serves the public interest under federal labor law. 

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However, the appeals court reversed this protection. The government argued that any harm to unions was "speculative" and that voluntary dues payments could address funding concerns during litigation. 

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Why this matters beyond bargaining: 

While this case focuses on collective bargaining rights, AFGE provides critical value to members in many other ways: 

• Workplace representation during disciplinary actions and grievances 

• Legal protection when management overreaches 

• Professional development and training opportunities 

• Advocacy for better working conditions and safety standards 

• Voice in policy that affects your daily work 

• Community with fellow public health professionals who understand your challenges 

 

What's next: 

The stay remains in effect while litigation continues. If unions ultimately win the case, terminated collective bargaining agreements can be reinstated. We want to be ready, so that means we will not stop organizing. 

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Your union membership remains your strongest protection at work, regardless of what happens with this particular legal challenge. AFGE continues fighting for CDC employees every day through multiple channels beyond formal bargaining.