Unions File Suit To Stop USDA Reorganization

Four unions representing USDA employees are asking a federal court to stop the department’s planned reorganization, saying it could cost the agency experienced workers and disrupt services for farmers and rural communities.

The unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE); the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO (AFSCME); the National Federation of Federal Employees, IAM, AFL-CIO (NFFE); and the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). and a coalition of nonprofit groups and local governments filed a new lawsuit Tuesday in federal court in California. They argue the reorganization is unlawful because Congress has restricted USDA from making major organizational changes without congressional approval.

The groups also oppose plans to relocate thousands of employees, saying workers could be forced to choose between moving across the country or losing their jobs. They argue that could drive out employees with years of expertise and reduce USDA’s ability to support farmers, conduct agricultural research and deliver nutrition programs.

Close up of the USDA's headquarters in Washington D.C. — Photo: USDA

This Reorganization Is Illegal

“On behalf of the tens of thousands of USDA employees AFGE represents, I am urging the court to put an immediate halt to this illegal and disruptive reorganization,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “USDA employees keep our food safe, stand behind our farmers, make sure our children are fed, and keep thousands of American businesses running. Instead of investing in these public servants, this administration wants to dismantle the USDA and gut the workforce that our country depends on.”

“This illegal reorganization will jeopardize families’ access to food and eliminate the jobs of qualified public service workers,” said AFSCME President Patrick Moran. “Instead of addressing the cost-of-living crisis that is making life unaffordable, the administration is attempting to gut the agency that supports rural communities and strengthens our food supply. We are filing this lawsuit to protect these workers who provide essential services to communities across the country.”

A federal judge allowed the reorganization to proceed for now, but directed the groups to bring their USDA challenge as a separate lawsuit.

The Administration Cannot dismantle USDA

“USDA’s unlawful reorganization threatens essential programs like food assistance, fire prevention, and critical research,” said San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu. “By closing offices and forcing staff relocations, USDA is creating disruptions that local governments will be forced to address. We’re asking the Court to halt this plan before it undermines services our residents depend on.”

This all stems from efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce, including incentives that led over 15,000 USDA employees to exit the agency.

“The administration cannot dismantle USDA when Congress has prohibited it. This latest attempt to harm federal employees and the critical services they deliver is unlawful and should be enjoined,” said Corinne Johnson of Altshuler Berzon LLP.