HHS Recognizes Union Representatives, Citing a Focus on Mission-Critical Work

On Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it will officially recognize union representatives for multiple sub-agencies and office staff, stating this decision will help eliminate “unnecessary obstacles to mission-critical work.”

However, HHS is not extending this recognition to representatives involved with several offices, specifically those represented by the National Federation of Finance Employees (NTEU), the United Government Employee Federation (AFGE), the National Alliance of Postal Service and Federal Employees (NAPFE), and the United Automotive, Aerospace and Agricultural Implementation Workers (UAW).

HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon emphasized that this change will direct resources and personnel toward the essential task of safeguarding American health and safety.

“By following President Trump’s Executive Order 14251, HHS is removing barriers to urgent work and areas previously dedicated to union activities. This will bolster our response to public health challenges, improve national security, and deliver results for American taxpayers,” he stated.

The offices affected by this decision within HHS include the Secretary’s Office, the General Counsel Bureau, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Management for Strategic Preparation and Response, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Institutes of Health, the Refugee Resettlement Office, and the Administrator for Children and Families.

This announcement arrives shortly after HHS disclosed the termination of 600 employees from the CDC, a move that falls under the Government Efficiency Bureau’s initiative originally signed in March.

The AFGE criticized HHS for making the announcement to the media rather than notifying the affected union first.

“This unlawful and unethical attack on federal employees and their unions harms the many dedicated civil servants who serve our veterans and ensure the safety of the food and health resources we rely on,” Kelly remarked. “Undermining our contracts negatively impacts all Americans who benefit from the services and programs our members provide. But let me be clear: our union is not backing down.”