Former President Donald Trump vows to challenge a Biden administration deal extending hybrid work for federal employees, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle.
At a Glance
- Trump plans to sue to block a 5-year extension of hybrid work for federal employees
- The agreement, made by former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley, affects 42,000 SSA employees
- Trump criticizes the deal as a “gift to a union” and aims to reduce federal bureaucracy
- Republican lawmakers and Trump advisors support ending remote work for federal employees
- AFGE defends the agreement, citing increased productivity and efficiency
Trump’s Challenge to Federal Telework Agreement
Former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to legally contest a recent agreement that extends hybrid work options for federal employees until 2029. The deal, negotiated by former Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O’Malley with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), affects approximately 42,000 SSA employees.
Trump’s opposition to the agreement is rooted in his broader aim to reduce federal bureaucracy and increase government efficiency. He has proposed creating a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut costs and regulations, potentially saving $2 trillion.
“They just signed this thing—it’s ridiculous,” Trump said at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Dec. 16. “So, it was like a gift to a union, and we’re going to obviously be in court to stop it.”
President-elect Donald Trump has made recent statements indicating his intent to challenge a work-from-home arrangement for federal employees that was secured under the Biden administration. This deal, agreed upon by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the…
— Clarence Terrell (@clarenceTerre) December 16, 2024
Republican Support and Union Opposition
Trump’s stance has garnered support from Republican lawmakers and his advisors. Representatives James Comer and Marjorie Taylor Greene view the agreement as an attempt to “Trump-proof” the federal bureaucracy. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, part of Trump’s advisory committee, also back the move to end remote and hybrid work for federal employees.
“Requiring federal employees to come to the office five days a week would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome: If federal employees don’t want to show up, American taxpayers shouldn’t pay them for the Covid-era privilege of staying home.” – Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy
On the other side, AFGE is preparing to defend the agreement legally. The union argues that collective bargaining agreements are binding and enforceable, emphasizing that only 10% of federal workers are fully remote. AFGE National President Everett Kelley has stated that the union will fight to protect telework provisions, citing benefits for government efficiency and disaster preparedness.
***PRESS RELEASE***
Trump-Endorsed Jimmy Patronis Pledges to Join the DOGE Caucus in Congress
~Patronis Proposes Banning of Telework for Major Federal Agencies~[FT. WALTON BEACH / 12-16-24] – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that he plans…
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) December 16, 2024
Implications for Federal Workforce and Government Operations
The federal government employs over 4 million people, with 54% in non-telework roles and 61% of eligible personnel working in-office regularly. Only 10% of civilian government workers hold fully remote positions. Trump’s proposed changes could significantly impact this workforce structure.
“If people don’t come back to work, come back into the office, they’re going to be dismissed.” – Donald Trump
The debate extends beyond workplace policies to broader government operations. Trump has promised to roll back environmental regulations for businesses investing $1 billion or more in the U.S., offering expedited permits and approvals. He also plans to boost American energy production, including clean coal, and reduce electricity prices.
As this legal battle unfolds, it will likely have far-reaching consequences for federal employees, government efficiency, and the future of remote work in the public sector. The outcome could reshape the federal workforce and impact the delivery of government services to the American public.
Sources:
- Trump Vows Lawsuit to Block Biden Admin’s Hybrid Work Extension Deal
- Trump says federal workers who don’t want to return to the office are “going to be dismissed”
- Key union vows to fight back after Trump says he would end remote work for federal employees
- Trump: Feds will be ‘dismissed’ if they don’t go to office
