Exclusions From Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs

On March 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14251, which excludes certain federal agencies and subdivisions from participating in federal labor-management relations programs, citing national security concerns. The order affects a wide range of departments, including Defense, State, and Homeland Security, by exempting them from collective bargaining rules under Chapter 71 of Title 5, U.S. Code. This move could significantly impact federal employees' ability to engage in union activities, potentially leading to legal challenges and political debate over workers' rights versus national security priorities.