Being A Union Member Is More Essential Now Than Ever

The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) wants you to know that now more than ever it’s essential to be a member of a union—especially as federal workers face renewed threats from the Trump administration. Proposals to gut civil service protections, slash pay and benefits, and reintroduce large-scale reductions in force (RIFs) are clear signs that your rights, jobs, and dignity are under attack. In his first term, Trump and his allies introduced efforts to clear a path to fire federal employees without cause and dismantled collective bargaining rights for large segments of the workforce. As these efforts are implemented, being part of a union isn’t just smart—it’s a critical line of defense. 

Union members enjoy the power of collective action, legal support, negotiated workplace protections, a sense of community, union leaders who fight on your behalf, and a united voice that demands respect on the job. In fact, unionized federal employees are far more likely to retain key benefits like retirement security and healthcare. This is as crucial today as it has ever been.

But being in a union isn’t only about protection—it’s about strength, community, and progress. Union members help shape policies, elect pro-labor leaders, and push agencies to invest in their people rather than strip them down. During past assaults on the federal workforce, unions successfully blocked unlawful executive orders, secured back pay during shutdowns, and fought for telework, fair performance reviews and equitable treatment. The NFFE team has gone to great lengths to help secure these rights and protections for our members, and we will continue to ensure they are upheld by the courts and Congress. 

When we stand together, we win—and we’re seeing a resurgence of public support for unions across the country. Joining a union means you’re part of a movement that believes in the dignity of public service, in fairness at work, and in fighting for a better future—not just for ourselves, but for every federal worker. We are all stronger together. NFFE is working everyday to better represent our members and to strengthen the federal workforce as a whole. Thank you to our members for standing with us. It is an incredibly important time to be part of a union.