Trump Reverses Biden’s Last-Minute Work-At-Home Extension For Federal Employees
Trump Administration Overturns Biden-Era Collective Bargaining Agreements
Former President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Friday nullifying last-minute collective bargaining agreements approved by the Biden administration before leaving office. The directive prevents federal agencies from enforcing agreements made in the final 30 days of a president’s term and instructs them to reject any such deals finalized by Biden.
According to the White House, agreements enacted before this period will remain in place while new negotiations take place to ensure policies align with the administration’s goals. Officials argue that the Biden administration attempted to impose long-term agreements to limit the incoming government’s ability to implement reforms.
Impact on Federal Workforce
In December 2024, Biden’s Social Security Administration Commissioner, Martin O’Malley, reached an agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees affecting 42,000 workers. The Trump administration is now reviewing such agreements, particularly those within the Department of Education, Small Business Administration, and Federal Trade Commission, which restricted return-to-office policies.
A White House fact sheet emphasized that no outgoing administration should be able to govern agencies after leaving office through last-minute agreements.
Return-to-Office Policy
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has instructed federal employees to return to in-person work unless they qualify for medical exemptions. Employees who do not wish to return have the option to resign while receiving full pay and benefits until September 30, with a deadline of February 6 to decide. However, certain personnel, including postal workers and national security staff, are not eligible.
At a press conference, Trump criticized a Biden-era waiver allowing 49,000 employees to work remotely for five years, calling it a “gift to a union” and vowing legal action.
The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal workers’ union, has pledged to challenge the administration’s order.
