More than 80 congressional Democrats sent a letter Monday urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to accept the proposals of its largest union — the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, which represents more than 7,500 EPA workers — amid ongoing contract negotiations.
“At a time when EPA is administering historic levels of funding, it is imperative that EPA’s career employees are supported by the agency’s political leadership,” the lawmakers wrote to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, a former agency employee. “Improving the rights and protections of EPA employees is critical to recruit and retain the talented and diverse workforce needed to fulfill the agency’s mission to address climate change, enhance environmental justice, and protect public health and the environment.”
“We believe that AFGE’s proposal to invest in EPA’s workforce is a cost-effective solution that will help employees perform the mission of the agency,” the letter continues. “According to AFGE, these investments — such as restoring career ladders, supporting sound science, and increased diversity — come at a minimal cost. However, we have been told that the investments will pay out enormous dividends in attracting and retaining the best and the brightest to fill the ranks of EPA’s highly educated, highly trained workforce.”
As the Washington Post reported, “The union and its allies are trying to leverage” President Joe Biden’s pledge to be “the most pro-union president” in the nation’s history — as well as his administration’s eagerness to swiftly implement the climate provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act — “to secure its goals at the bargaining table.”
Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) were among the signatories of the letter, which was led by Reps. Paul Tonko (N.Y.) and Diana DeGette (Colo.). It was also signed by House Oversight and Reform Committee Chair Carolyn Maloney (N.Y.) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Frank Pallone Jr. (N.J.), along with progressive stalwarts such as Reps. Pramila Jayapal (Wash.) and Rashida Tlaib (Mich.).
Marie Owens Powell, president of AFGE Council 238, told the Post that she was “thrilled” to have the lawmakers’ support. The recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, she added, has given contract talks a stronger “sense of urgency.”
“We cannot afford to lose any more of our current workforce,” Powell said. “They have the knowledge that we need to pass on to the newer folks coming in with this increase in funds.”
Defying Trump’s right-wing agenda from Day One
Inauguration Day is coming up soon, and at Truthout, we plan to defy Trump’s right-wing agenda from Day One.
Looking to the first year of Trump’s presidency, we know that the most vulnerable among us will be harmed. Militarized policing in U.S. cities and at the borders will intensify. The climate crisis will deteriorate further. The erosion of free speech has already begun, and we anticipate more attacks on journalism.
It will be a terrifying four years to produce social justice-driven journalism. But we’re not falling to despair, because we know there are reasons to believe in our collective power.
The stories we publish at Truthout are part of the antidote to creeping authoritarianism. And this year, we promise we will kick into an even higher gear to give you truthful news that cuts against the disinformation, vitriol, hate and violence. We promise to publish analyses that will serve the needs of the movements we all rely on to survive the next four years, and even build for the future. We promise to be responsive, to recognize you as members of our community with a vital stake and voice in this work.
Please show your support for Truthout with a tax-deductible donation (either once today or on a monthly basis).