NTEU Endorses Legislation to Block Mass Layoffs

Congress would have the power to stop federal employee layoffs under legislation introduced in the House and Senate and endorsed by NTEU.

The Reduction in Force (RIF) Review Act, sponsored by Democrats Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Rep. Maxine Waters of California, would allow any member of Congress to call for a vote to overturn an agency's RIF plans to stop the mass elimination of federal jobs.

The bill also gives lawmakers even more oversight of the process. For example, agencies would have to report to Congress about the alternatives to a RIF that were considered and the reasons for rejecting them.

“Agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which I’ve been fighting to protect as Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, protect ordinary Americans from financial scams and predatory lenders. If Republicans want to declare open season on working families, they should at least have to vote on it,” Waters said.

House Committee Approves Legislation to Cut Pay, Benefits

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved their part of the budget reconciliation legislation that will cut employee pay, benefits, and rights. The bill now heads to the full House before moving to the Senate.

Ahead of the vote last week, National President Doreen Greenwald sent a letter to members of the House committee urging them to reject the reconciliation package.

“Federal employees have dedicated their careers to serving the nation, and they deserve Congress’s support and gratitude; not policies that break promises and erode their rights,” the letter states.

Tell your members of Congress to oppose these cuts and support federal employees.