The Solidarity Docket
Week of December 16, 2025
Despite the impending holidays, this week we saw significant movement across the courts, Congress, and federal agencies with real implications for union rights, job security, retirement, and workplace conditions. Here is what federal workers and their advocates need to know:
Big Questions from the Bench in National Security Union Case — What Comes Next
A major development this week in the national security labor cases now pending before the D.C. Circuit. On Monday, the panel hearing ran well beyond its scheduled time, stretching to more than two hours as judges pressed both sides with tough, detailed questions. That level of engagement is notable and suggests the court is taking the issues - including jurisdiction and access to collective bargaining protections - very seriously.
These cases involve lawsuits brought by federal employee unions, including the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), and the Federal Education Association (FEA), challenging executive actions that stripped collective bargaining and union representation rights from large groups of federal workers by reclassifying them as “national security” employees.
At issue is whether the administration can eliminate long-standing labor rights through unilateral executive action, and whether unions are required to pursue relief exclusively through administrative agencies like the FLRA or the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board, rather than federal court.
Following the hearing, the court issued an order requesting additional briefing, signaling that key legal questions remain under active consideration. We will continue to monitor these cases closely and keep readers updated as supplemental briefs are filed and the litigation progresses.
You can follow this and related cases through our litigation tracker, which is updated regularly with filings and developments.
Federal Workers’ Union Rights Fight Moves to the Senate
In a major win for federal workers, the House of Representatives passed the Protect America’s Workforce Act (H.R. 2550) by a 232–194 vote.
The bill would repeal a presidential executive order that stripped collective bargaining rights from large segments of the federal workforce. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) serving as the lead Republican cosponsor.
After months of inaction, supporters successfully used a discharge petition to force a floor vote clearing the required 218 signatures last month. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate, where continued advocacy will be critical.
Deferred Resignation Offers Are Back, With Fewer Protections
New reporting indicates that at least one federal agency has begun offering a renewed version of the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) but with terms that are less generous than earlier offers.
These changes may affect severance timing, benefits, or other worker protections, and raise concerns about pressure tactics being used during reorganizations or downsizing efforts. We are tracking DRP-related developments closely and will flag legal or bargaining issues as they emerge.
For background, FAQs, and litigation context, see our DRP FAQ on our Resources page.
USDA Reorg Draws Widespread Opposition
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposed reorganization has been met with overwhelmingly negative feedback from employees, lawmakers, and local governments.
According to reporting, workers and stakeholders raised serious concerns about operational disruption, loss of institutional knowledge, and impacts on mission delivery — particularly in rural communities. Many commenters expressed frustration that employee input was solicited but seemingly disregarded.
Retirement Processing Delays Leave Feds Waiting
A new report highlights serious delays facing federal employees who are retiring — leaving many without clear information about when benefits will begin or how long processing will take.
These delays can create real financial stress for workers who planned their retirement based on expected timelines that are no longer being met.
Military Housing and Schools Lose Funding as Pentagon Redirects Billions
The Department of Defense has diverted more than $2 billion away from military barracks and schools to fund a border mission, according to new reporting.
The move has raised concerns among lawmakers and advocates about the long-term impact on military families, infrastructure, and readiness.
Gifts, Parties, and Pitfalls: Holiday Ethics Rules for Federal Workers
As the holiday season ramps up, the Office of Government Ethics has released updated guidance on what federal employees can and cannot do when it comes to gifts, social events, and outside activities.
The guidance covers common scenarios that arise this time of year and is intended to help workers avoid inadvertent ethics violations while still enjoying seasonal gatherings.
Thank You
As the year comes to a close, we wish all federal workers and their families peace and warmth this holiday season.
Thank you for staying engaged, informed, and in solidarity.
Suzanne Summerlin
General Counsel
Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network