We Believe in the Power of Solidarity

January 2026

• Alert: The Union responded to OJP's notice that it will remove Bargaining Unit Employees from the bargaining unit in March 2026. Again, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has not issued a final judicial determination upholding the  Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order. In light of the unresolved status of the litigation, the Union disputes any assertion that the Order provides a sufficient legal basis for changes to employee bargaining unit status.

• The Union’s position is that the CBA and the Agency’s statutory bargaining obligations remain in effect unless and until there is a final, binding legal determination to the contrary. Accordingly, the Union disputes as premature any actions to update personnel records, modify bargaining unit designations, or otherwise treat employees as excluded from the bargaining unit. AFSCME Local 2830 expressly objects to such actions.

• Alert: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently issued the Guide to Telework and Remote Work in the Federal Government, updating government-wide guidance following recent direction that emphasizes a return to in-person work as the default posture for federal agencies. While the guidance reflects this shift, it is important to note that it does not prohibit remote work. In response to the guidance, the Union submitted a memorandum to OJP emphasizing that the Agency has clear authority under federal law, the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and OPM guidance to develop a compliant remote work policy.

• Alert: The Union responded to OJP's request to remove items from the designated office because the Agencywill repurpose the space. We reiterated that the Union filed a formal Grievance per Article 23, Section 8 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in May 2025, which OJP is holding in abeyance. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has not yet issued a final decision on whether federal agencies are required to continue collective bargaining and adhere to existing CBAs, including provisions related to office space. Should OJP remove any items from the office by January 30th, as stated, the Union will file a formal action.