Internal NFFE News
May 20, 2025
Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) and the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) gathered outside the Department of Commerce today to welcome back the 35 employees at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) who had been placed on administrative leave and faced a Reduction in Force (RIF) threat under a Trump administration Executive Order.
WATCH: NFFE-IAM, IAM Union Welcomes Minority Business Development Agency Employees Back to Work
NFFE-IAM members at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) were able to return to work today after the Rhode Island U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction on May 7, 2025, that protects the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) from an executive order calling for its dismantling. The court stated that the executive order violates the Administrative Procedures Act, separation of powers principles, and the Take Care clause of the U.S. Constitution.
“I’m proud to stand here today on behalf of NFFE Local 2 to welcome our colleagues back to work,” said Angela Washington, Shop Steward for NFFE-IAM Local 2. “For two years, I’ve served as a steward for these employees, and I’ve seen firsthand their critical work. MBDA is one of 13 bureaus within the Department of Commerce, and it plays a vital role in supporting socially and economically disadvantaged communities by providing access to capital, contracts, and technical assistance. The return of these employees means a return to serving businesses that help create more than 14,000 jobs annually and over $2 billion in access to capital. This is a win for equity, workers, and the communities we serve.”
The MBDA is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises (MBEs). It achieves this mission by funding a national network of business centers and providing technical assistance, access to capital, and market development services.
“We are happy to welcome back NFFE-IAM members employed by MBDA,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “Now they can return to their mission of fostering the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses. We will continue to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace.”