Trump Executive Order Strips NASA Employees of Union Rights
A recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump has removed the collective bargaining rights of NASA employees, significantly altering the labor landscape within the space agency. Signed on August 28, 2023, just before the Labor Day weekend, this order affects thousands of engineers, scientists, and technicians across all NASA centers, marking a historic reduction in labor protections for these civil servants under the pretext of national security.
The order amends Executive Order 12171 and excludes NASA from the protections outlined in Chapter 71 of Title 5, which governs the rights of federal employees to organize and negotiate workplace conditions. This change is justified by the agency’s involvement in activities related to “intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.” Other agencies affected include divisions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and parts of the U.S. Patent Office.
The Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland exemplifies the impact of this order. The Goddard Engineers, Scientists and Technicians Association (GESTA), which represents a significant portion of the workforce, has lost its ability to legally advocate for employees. The organization previously played a crucial role in negotiating working conditions and addressing employee concerns, particularly in light of recent budget cuts and program changes.
Mark Gaston Pearce, former chairman of the National Labor Relations Board, expressed concern about the implications of this executive order. “The question is what constitutes a national security concern sufficient for the president to exclude employees from their abilities to engage in collective bargaining?” he stated. Pearce highlighted the lack of oversight from institutions such as the Merit System Protection Board and the Federal Labor Relations Authority, which have been rendered less effective due to vacancies and lack of quorum.
Prior to the executive order, approximately 53% of NASA’s workforce was part of a bargaining unit. With the enactment of this order, these employees have lost essential protections overnight. NASA management is reportedly aware of the executive order and is proceeding to implement its stipulations in alignment with the president’s vision for the agency.
According to GESTA President Tryshanda Moton, as of August 29, no formal communication regarding the executive order had been received from NASA management. This lack of information underscores the uncertainty faced by employees whose existing collective bargaining agreements can now be nullified without cause, jeopardizing previously negotiated terms related to work conditions and employee rights.
Employees at Goddard report a climate of fear and uncertainty exacerbated by budget cuts proposed in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request, which advocates for the most significant reduction in NASA funding in history. The proposed budget includes a 47% cut to NASA’s science funding, prompting concerns about job security and program viability. Reports indicate that employees often learn crucial information about organizational changes from GESTA rather than their supervisors, illustrating a disconnect in communication.
The repercussions of the executive order extend beyond labor rights. Recent management decisions include plans to close the Goddard Visitor Center and cafeteria services, creating challenges for employees who rely on these facilities for both convenience and community engagement. In addition, discussions about closing health and fitness facilities have raised alarms regarding employee well-being and safety.
As employees contend with mounting pressures, many are opting for the government’s Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), which could result in a workforce reduction of over 4,000 employees, roughly 20% of NASA’s workforce. Pearce noted that the absence of labor oversight leaves employees without an independent agency to appeal to, limiting their options for recourse.
The executive order has also led to heightened restrictions within NASA’s workforce, with reports of supervisors instructing employees to avoid direct communication with Human Resources. Furthermore, directives have emerged to remove displays related to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including LGBTQ+ Pride displays, contributing to an atmosphere of apprehension among staff.
Despite these challenges, employees have rallied to voice their concerns, with groups such as “NASA Needs Help” organizing protests to draw public attention to the agency’s situation. As the budget process unfolds, some members of Congress have indicated a willingness to restore NASA’s funding to previous levels, but the timing and feasibility of such actions remain uncertain.
Without collective bargaining rights and the protective mechanisms that once existed, employees may find that advocacy and public pressure are their only remaining tools. Pearce emphasized the importance of civic engagement for federal employees, urging them to lobby their representatives and ensure that their voices are heard amid these significant changes.
As NASA employees brace for the future, the ramifications of this executive order are still unfolding, leaving many uncertain about their rights and the stability of their work environment.
