Members,

The White House issued an executive order (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/exclusions-from-federal-labor-management-relations-programs/ ) declaring many federal agencies as excluded from collective bargaining per an overly broad application of the national security exclusions of the federal service labor management relations statute, 5 USC 7103(b)(1). Most of the Social Security Administration is not listed in or affected by the new EO, except for the Office of Chief Information Officer. 

The related OPM guidance (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/latest-memos/guidance-on-executive-order-exclusions-from-federal-labor-management-programs.pdf )  also issued also indicates that SSA (except OCIO) is not covered by the new EO. The OPM guidance further states that certain actions to change performance rules, abandon grievance procedures, etc. cannot be done until a CBA expires or is terminated in connection with the EO. As such, our CBA remains in force, and if it is violated, we will respond accordingly.

AFGE has emailed all members encouraging them to convert to eDues. Our locals should strongly consider doing so, especially given proposed legislation to eliminate payroll deduction. 

AFGE will be responding to this unprecedented attack on union and employee rights. Now more than ever, we need solidarity among ourselves here at SSA, and with our union siblings across AFGE and the rest of the civil service. We must remain vigilant and speak out to protect our rights and against the attacks on our siblings. Everyone needs to be active legislatively, in organizing our workplaces and our communities, and in rallying for our rights- to tell our story and to inform the public how these actions will impact their services and their lives.

In solidarity,

General Committee Spokesperson