MTD Federal Employees Deserve Better
Protecting your rights. Defending your voice. Standing together. Get the Latest UpdatesMETAL TRADES DEPARTMENT, AFL-CIO · FEDERAL EMPLOYEE RESOURCE CENTER
Your work matters. Your rights matter.
Federal Metal Trades workers build, repair and maintain the facilities and equipment our country depends on. This resource center brings together lawsuit developments, legislative action and reliable information to help you protect your voice at work.
Last reviewed: October 6, 2026. Court protections vary by bargaining unit. Contact your Metal Trades Council or union representative for guidance about your workplace.
Federal Lawsuit Updates
Unions continue challenging efforts to cancel contracts, strip collective bargaining protections and eliminate federal jobs. Here is where the major cases stand.
MTD’S COALITION CASE · PRELIMINARY CONTRACT PROTECTIONS
Protecting Metal Trades bargaining units
AFL-CIO and affiliated unions v. Trump · 1:25-cv-02445 · District of Columbia
The Metal Trades Department is a plaintiff in the coalition challenge to Executive Order 14251. On October 1, 2025, Judge Paul L. Friedman issued a preliminary injunction requiring defendant agencies to honor existing agreements and barring implementation of the order against covered bargaining units represented by plaintiff unions.
The government appealed. On March 23, 2026, the D.C. Circuit put that appeal on hold pending decisions in related cases. The records reviewed show no stay of this injunction. This protection applies to covered bargaining units and is an interim order; the executive order’s legality has not been finally decided.
INJUNCTION VACATED
California Bargaining Challenge
AFGE v. Trump · 3:25-cv-03070 · N.D. California
The Ninth Circuit vacated the preliminary injunction on February 26, 2026, and issued an amended opinion on June 17. The ruling addressed preliminary relief on the First Amendment retaliation claim, rather than a final judgment on every challenge to the executive order.
APPEAL AWAITING DECISION
NTEU Bargaining Challenge
NTEU v. Trump · 1:25-cv-00935 · D. Columbia
The D.C. Circuit stayed NTEU’s preliminary injunction in May 2025. The appeal remained unresolved in September 2026, including the question of whether unions can challenge the executive order directly in federal court.
INJUNCTION STAYED
Foreign Service Bargaining Challenge
AFSA v. Trump · 1:25-cv-01030 · D. Columbia
The district court granted a preliminary injunction in May 2025, but the D.C. Circuit stayed it. AFSA’s October 1, 2026 tracker reports that an appellate decision is pending on jurisdiction and whether the injunction should stand.
CONTRACT INJUNCTION PRESERVED
TSA Contract Challenge
AFGE v. Noem / successor officials · 2:25-cv-00451 · W.D. Washington
On January 15, 2026, the court ruled that its injunction also blocked DHS’s renewed attempt to cancel the 2024 contract. On July 28, Judge Jamal N. Whitehead denied the government’s request to dismiss the case and dissolve the injunction.
BROAD INJUNCTION STAYED
Federal Layoffs and Reorganization
AFGE v. Trump · 3:25-cv-03698 · N.D. California
On July 8, 2025, the Supreme Court stayed the broad May 2025 injunction. It expressly declined to decide whether individual agency layoff and reorganization plans were lawful. Specific agency actions remain subject to separate legal challenges.
SETTLEMENT REACHED
Shutdown Layoff Challenge
AFGE and other unions v. OMB · 3:25-cv-08302 · N.D. California
A September 25, 2026 settlement required withdrawal of guidance authorizing layoffs during the 2025 shutdown. Notices issued under that guidance were rescinded and affected separated employees reinstated. The agreement does not prohibit all future reductions in force.
TAKE ACTION
Tell the Senate: Restore federal bargaining rights.
The Protect America’s Workforce Act, H.R. 2550, passed the House 231–195 on December 11, 2025. The official bill record lists receipt in the Senate on December 15, 2025.
Urge your senators to support passage and restore federal workers’ collective bargaining protections. Workers who serve our country deserve a voice on the job.
Questions About Your Rights at Work
Your contract, employing agency, bargaining unit and applicable court orders determine which procedures are available. Start with your Council or union representative.
Does a court ruling protect every federal employee?
No. Some orders protect specific unions and bargaining units; others have been stayed or vacated. Ask your representative which order applies to your workplace before relying on a general case summary.
What if my agency changes working conditions or stops honoring our contract?
Save the written notice and related communications. Contact your Council or union representative promptly to review the contract, applicable court protections and available response. Filing deadlines and procedures vary.
Where can I find forms and official guidance?
Use the resource links below to reach official MSPB, FLRA, OPM and other sources. A form’s availability does not establish that a particular forum has jurisdiction over your situation.
What happened to the 2025 deferred resignation FAQs?
The original FAQs concern a program with a September 30, 2025 resignation date. They are historical material, not current enrollment guidance. Consult your representative about unresolved pay, benefits or separation issues.
Find Help and Reliable Resources
Get assistance with your workplace situation and consult current information from the original source.
Start with your union
Contact your Metal Trades Council or affiliate representative for help identifying the contract protections and procedures that apply to you.
Federal Workers Legal Defense Network
Rise Up connects federal workers concerned about their employment with free legal support through a network of pro bono attorneys.
Executive Orders & Policy
Agency implementation and court orders can change how federal workforce directives affect your bargaining unit. Consult the source documents alongside your union’s guidance.
Historical Documents & Earlier Updates
Earlier statements, executive orders and guidance remain available for reference. Their dates matter: archived materials may not describe current policy or your present rights.
Standing Together for Federal Workers
The Metal Trades Department and its affiliated Councils and unions are fighting to preserve collective bargaining, enforce negotiated protections and defend the skilled workforce that serves our country.
It’s Better in a Union.