EPA union sues Trump administration to restore collective bargaining contract
The EPA union has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the illegal termination of their collective bargaining agreement was intended to suppress political dissent. The union seeks to restore the contract, which included protections for scientific integrity.
Why it matters
The case underscores ongoing tensions regarding federal labor rights, scientific independence, and political influence within government agencies.
Lee Zeldin, the EPA’s administrator, speaks in Washington DC, on 30 June 2026. via Getty Images Lee Zeldin, the EPA’s administrator, speaks in Washington DC, on 30 June 2026. via Getty Images US Environmental Protection Agency EPA union sues Trump administration to restore collective bargaining contract Federal workers’ union alleges EPA illegally terminated agreement with the goal of repressing political dissent
Prefer the Guardian on Google The union representing more than 8,000 workers at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a lawsuit against the agency and administrator Lee Zeldin on Tuesday alleging the agency illegally terminated the union’s collective bargaining agreement.
The lawsuit, filed by two local unions of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), claims the agency failed to justify the contract’s termination and was motivated by a desire to repress political dissent, a violation of the employees’ first amendment rights.
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