Unions take Comfort in Battling Efficiency

Unions take Comfort in Battling Efficiency

Not one, but three new lawsuits have been filed against President Donald Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), predictably by public unions — for whom efficiency is apparently something to be avoided at all costs.

The fledgling agency was created by President Trump prior to his inauguration to serve as a sounding board on government spending and regulations. As Trump has made it a substantial goal to spend taxpayer money wisely, this department’s creation has been anticipated quite favorably by the general public.

With the notable exception of anyone who has reason to fear its future might be jeopardized by a more cost-effective approach to public spending.

The accusations of unions and their watchdog pets revolve around perceived “unfairness” of representation and supposed “unlawful” actions from DOGE. The complaining parties in all three lawsuits include: 

  • the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE);
  • the American Public Health Association (APHA); and,
  • the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

These three, plus myriad other plaintiffs, have partnered with a nonprofit called Public Citizen, which defines itself as an advocacy organization working to “defend democracy, resist corporate power and fight to ensure that government works for the people.”

But one glance at the group’s website reveals a “Taking on Trump” agenda that shows precisely where its members stand.

And rounding out the group is a public interest law firm called National Security Counselors, Inc. (Note: if your middle school-aged child needs an example of what a comically bad website design looks like, as a showcase of what not to do, NSC Inc. provides a textbook example.)

Notably, NSC Inc.’s lawsuit accuses Trump’s DOGE of violating the so-called Federal Advisory Committee Act. As the department’s meetings have previously not been open to the public, this allegedly violates transparency and social information-sharing rules.

The irony here is that the unions are upset at their own tactics being used against them. If they truly value transparency, they could bring their own negotiations and meetings out into the open.

These lawsuits are a thinly veiled attempt by unions and their corruptible sympathizers to take back the control being yanked from their grasp.

Unions are notorious for abusing the legal process to obstruct negotiations and ultimately hope their adversary gives up or dies of old age when it knows it can’t win in court, and this attack on DOGE is no different.

To paraphrase the old legal maxim: When you have the law on your side, argue the law. When you have the facts on your side, argue the facts. And when you have neither, file a frivolous lawsuit.

Communications Associate
Siena is new to the Freedom Foundation and the workforce, having recently graduated from the University of Montana in May of 2024. She finished her time in Missoula graduating cum laude with a bachelor of arts in theater, a bachelor of science in business management information systems, and a certificate in global leadership. Siena is part of the Media and Marketing team and assists with writing content, managing media relations, and handling the Freedom Foundation social media platforms. Siena has previous experience in event management, communications, and media content production through a variety of internships and jobs throughout college. Most recently she served as a tour guide and Advocate Coordinator for the University of Montana during her 5 years of study, and assisted in rodeo management as an intern with the Western Montana Fair. Though a Washington native, Siena is a new Texan and resides in the Dallas area.