Social Security Ordered to Restore Telework, EPA and NASA Roll Back Collective Bargaining

Arbitrator rules SSA violated union agreement, while other agencies act on Trump-era executive order

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A third-party arbitrator has ordered the Social Security Administration to restore telework for many of its employees represented by the American Federation of Government Employees, after the agency indefinitely suspended workplace flexibilities. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency has rescinded its collective bargaining agreement with the National Treasury Employees Union, and NASA is rolling back collective bargaining rights for some of its employees, citing a Trump-era executive order.

Why it matters

These decisions highlight the ongoing tensions between federal agencies and their unions over workplace policies like telework and collective bargaining. The rulings could have significant impacts on federal workforce morale, retention, and the ability of agencies to deliver services to the public.

The details

The arbitrator found that SSA violated its 2019 agreement with AFGE when it stopped telework for many bargaining unit members, despite the agency's claims that the suspension was temporary to address operational needs. The EPA and NASA actions are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to limit collective bargaining rights at agencies deemed critical to national security.

  • In March 2025, former acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek told union officials that a pause on telework would only last 90 days.
  • In late February 2026, the IRS rescinded its labor contract with NTEU.
  • In the fall of 2025, a federal judge in Washington, D.C. signed a preliminary injunction blocking NASA and other agencies from enforcing a rollback of collective bargaining rights, but an appeals court later stayed the lower court's injunction.

The players

Social Security Administration

The federal agency responsible for administering Social Security programs.

American Federation of Government Employees

The union representing many SSA employees.

Environmental Protection Agency

The federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment.

National Treasury Employees Union

The union representing many EPA employees.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

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What they’re saying

“Telework was, and remains, essential to preventing attrition at a time when SSA needs every employee it can hold onto.”

— Rich Couture, Spokesperson for the AFGE general committee for SSA (federalnewsnetwork.com)

“While the EPA has purported to terminate its CBA with NTEU, it cannot lawfully do so, and that CBA remains in effect.”

— Doreen Greenwald, NTEU National President (federalnewsnetwork.com)

What’s next

The judge in the SSA case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the agency to appeal the arbitrator's ruling. The legal challenges to the executive order limiting collective bargaining rights at certain agencies also remain ongoing.

The takeaway

These decisions highlight the ongoing tensions between federal agencies and their unions over workplace policies like telework and collective bargaining, with significant implications for federal workforce morale, retention, and the ability of agencies to deliver services to the public. The outcomes of these disputes could set important precedents for the future of labor-management relations in the federal government.