(Chuck Muth) – The Trump administration has made bold moves to streamline the federal government, but one area that remains ripe for reform is the influence of public-sector unions in agencies tied to national security.
To reduce inefficiency and enhance security, the administration should use existing presidential powers to limit obstructive collective bargaining efforts at these critical agencies, as allowed under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
Let’s start with the basics.
The Civil Service Reform Act provides federal employees the right to join unions and engage in collective bargaining. But here’s the catch: the law also gives the President authority to exclude agencies or departments primarily focused on national security, intelligence, or counterintelligence from these rules.
Why? Because the stakes are too high to allow bureaucratic red tape and union negotiations to slow down operations in these high-stakes environments. It’s a matter of safety and efficiency.
Every president since Jimmy Carter has exercised this power to some extent.
For example, Carter excluded the Office of Naval Intelligence and the Defense Intelligence Agency from collective bargaining rules. Ronald Reagan followed suit, excluding agencies like the Joint Special Operations Command. Even Barack Obama, known for his pro-labor stance, took action in his final days to remove certain subdivisions of the Department of Defense from these rules.
These examples show a bipartisan recognition of the need for flexibility and speed in national security work.
Now it’s President Trump’s turn to make a significant impact. Agencies like the Department of Defense, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are perfect candidates for exclusion.
These agencies directly impact national security and public safety, and the inefficiencies caused by union negotiations can have real consequences.
Take the TSA, for instance.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents over 16,000 TSA workers, has long advocated for collective bargaining agreements that can delay critical reforms. In a rapidly evolving security environment, the TSA needs to adapt quickly to emerging threats, whether it’s changes in passenger screening procedures or deploying resources to address new risks.
Allowing collective bargaining to slow down these decisions could put millions of travelers at risk.
The Department of Defense faces similar challenges. With over 240,000 employees represented by unions like the AFGE, the Pentagon is subject to negotiations that can hinder operational readiness.
In a time when adversaries are advancing technologically, our military must be able to pivot swiftly without being bogged down by union demands for procedural changes or grievances.
And let’s not forget the Department of Veterans Affairs. With more than 200,000 employees under union representation, the VA’s mission to serve our nation’s veterans often gets entangled in bureaucratic disputes.
The VA has faced significant criticism for delays in care and inefficiencies. Excluding it from collective bargaining could give leaders the flexibility needed to prioritize veterans’ needs over union agendas.
Critics might argue that excluding these agencies from collective bargaining undermines workers’ rights. But it’s essential to remember that these exclusions are not about silencing employees but ensuring the government’s ability to function effectively in areas where speed and security are paramount.
Workers’ voices will still be heard through other channels, but without the procedural delays that collective bargaining often brings.
Moreover, the inefficiencies caused by public-sector unions are not just theoretical. Taxpayer dollars fund these agencies, and every delay or inefficiency ultimately costs the public.
By removing unnecessary hurdles, we can ensure that resources are used more effectively to protect the nation and serve its citizens.
President Trump has an opportunity to make a lasting impact by issuing executive orders under the Civil Service Reform Act to exclude these critical agencies from collective bargaining rules. Such a move would align with the administration’s focus on government efficiency and put national security and public safety first.
This isn’t about attacking unions or stripping workers of their rights. It’s about recognizing that some missions are too important to be slowed down by bureaucratic processes.
National security, public safety, and the care of our veterans demand a level of flexibility and efficiency that collective bargaining often impedes.
The administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has already signaled its commitment to cutting red tape and making government work better for the American people. Using the powers granted under the Civil Service Reform Act would be a natural next step in this mission.
It’s time to take decisive action and ensure that our national security agencies can operate at their best, without unnecessary delays or inefficiencies.
By prioritizing efficiency and safety, President Trump can leave a legacy of streamlined government operations and enhanced national security. Let’s hope the administration seizes this opportunity to defend America more effectively.
Mr. Muth is president of Citizen Outreach, publisher of Nevada News & Views and blogs at MuthsTruths.com. His views are his own.
