Nashville Standard

United States Senator Bill Hagerty has expressed concerns about the Department of Justice's (DOJ) unionization efforts following President Donald Trump's election victory. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Hagerty highlighted reports that attorneys in the DOJ's Civil Rights and Environment and Natural Resources Divisions are hastening their organization with the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) due to Trump's election.

Hagerty stated, "You are likely aware of recent reports that, in response to President Trump’s election, attorneys in your Department’s Civil Rights and Environment and Natural Resources Divisions are ‘rushing’ to organize with the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), accelerating these efforts as a result of his election." He expressed concerns about the appropriateness of this effort being conducted because of a presidential election, despite doubts regarding whether these employees form an appropriate bargaining unit under federal labor law.

The U.S. Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) had previously rejected an attempt by employees of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division to unionize in 1984, stating that they lacked a shared community of interest separate from other department employees. Hagerty suggested that this rationale might apply to current efforts as well.

He also questioned the motives behind conducting unionization elections before President Trump's inauguration. "Beyond the legal defects, the rush to conduct unionization elections ahead of President Trump’s inauguration raises concerns regarding the ulterior motive of this effort," he said. Public reports suggest that some employees want to organize because they anticipate needing more protections under Trump's administration.

Hagerty requested information from Attorney General Garland by November 30, 2024, to ensure transparency and compliance with federal labor laws.