Wichita Standard

Senator Richard Blumenthal has publicly criticized an executive order issued by President Trump that impacts federal employees, including those at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The order eliminates collective bargaining rights for a significant portion of the federal workforce, affecting many veterans.

The executive order cancels collective bargaining agreements within the VA and other federal agencies, removing certain employee protections, including whistleblower protections and negotiation for better support and resources necessary to provide effective services.

"President Trump’s late-night executive order is a clear gutting of the civil service and a further assault on hard-working Americans, including hundreds of thousands of veterans and VA employees across America," Blumenthal stated. He emphasized that this action targets federal employees and veterans, who make up roughly one-third of the federal workforce. "As proudly noted by the Administration itself, this order is being carried out because unions put the interests of veterans first by fighting the President and Elon Musk’s immoral and illegal cuts, firings, and freezes at VA and across the federal government."

Blumenthal also noted the administration's legal action against labor unions. Agencies, including the VA, have sued to invalidate labor contracts with unions. The American Federation of Government Employees, representing over 800,000 members, is specifically targeted.

With around 30% of all federal employees being veterans, up to 425,000 of them may lose their union bargaining rights. Unions are seen as crucial in protecting employees from retaliation and political pressure.

Blumenthal plans to lead a hearing to address the issue, with VA Secretary Doug Collins and Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell among those invited to examine the executive order and its impact on veterans. Ezell recently issued guidance from the OPM following the executive order.