Divisions Over Trump Complicate Unions’ Response to Government Shutdown
“Beyond being unable to strike, a vast majority of federal workers are forbidden to collectively bargain over wages and benefits, which are set by Congress. The unions that represent them bargain over work rules and working conditions — like safety measures or whether they can telecommute — and due-process rights for workers who have been disciplined or fired. But just because the unions can’t bargain over pay and benefits doesn’t mean they exert no influence on these questions. The unions maintain close relationships with powerful members of Congress, stemming in part from political spending.”