AFGE and AFSCME are at the forefront of protecting public workers in the United States as they're facing unprecedented attacks on their rights to organize, bargain collectively, and protect the integrity of public services. The unions have just filed suit against the administration's attempt to politicize the federal workforce and replace thousands of qualified civil servants with political cronies.

The orders aim to weaken the independence and professionalism of the civil service, primarily through the introduction of "Schedule F," which would strip protection from career civil servants and make it easier to fire and replace experienced employees with politically loyal appointees. This could bypass established hiring and firing processes, replacing skilled workers with political loyalists who may lack the qualifications to perform critical roles, ultimately undermining the quality of public services.

Labor unions argue that this move could lead to mass layoffs, reduce the effectiveness of government operations, and pave the way for privatization, as the government would likely outsource essential functions due to inefficiencies created by a less qualified workforce. Additionally, there are concerns that these actions violate legal protections for civil servants, with fears that the end goal is to create a politicized, less competent federal workforce that benefits private interests.

As AFGE National President Everett Kelley stated, this is a fight to prevent the replacement of dedicated public servants with "unqualified political flunkies loyal to the president, but not the law or Constitution." Similarly, AFSCME President Lee Saunders reminds us that this struggle is about preserving decades of progress toward a professional, non-partisan civil service that serves all people, not just the powerful.

PSI’s unions recognize that such actions are not only an attack on US workers but also a threat to the global labor movement and the principles of fairness and accountability that underpin our societies.

With our affiliates, Public Services International (PSI) reaffirms its deep commitment to the rights of workers to organize free from retaliation and coercion. Collective bargaining is a fundamental human right, essential to ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the delivery of quality public services. These rights are not privileges to be granted or revoked at the whim of political leaders, they are the foundation of democracy and social justice.

The Trump administration’s actions are a stark reminder that the rights we have fought for—and continue to fight for—are never guaranteed. They must be defended, upheld, and expanded. PSI stands shoulder to shoulder with AFGE, AFSCME, and all US workers in this critical moment.

We call on workers everywhere to join us in condemning these attacks and supporting the efforts of our US colleagues to protect their rights and their communities.