SYRACUSE, NY — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today issued the following statement following the Trump Administration’s attempt to strip collective bargaining rights from workers at DFAS in Rome, NY (see attached letter.)
“Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth’s attempt to strip collective bargaining rights from DFAS employees in Rome – where many of my constituents work – is the latest illegal assault by this administration on workers’ rights and the federal workforce. These New Yorkers serve our country every day in critical support roles and deserve respect and fair treatment.
At a time of ongoing military hostilities, targeting civilian Defense Department employees is an insult to the very workers who support our Armed Forces and their families. Weakening morale, silencing workers, and creating fear and instability does not make America stronger or safer.
Donald Trump’s deliberate undermining of the National Labor Relations Board and broader
That’s why I supported the Protect America’s Workforce Act, signed the discharge petition to force action, and voted yes when given the chance. I have taken action at every stage to defend collective bargaining rights and stand up for working people.
I’ll continue to pursue legislative and legal remedies while standing with DFAS employees, other federal workers, and every American who believes in the right to organize, a fair workplace, and dignity on the job.”
SUBJECT: Notice of Exclusion from Representation in Accordance with Executive Order
14251, “Exclusions from Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Programs,”
and Accompanying Actions
As directed by the Secretary of War in his memorandum dated April 9, 2026,
Termination of Certain Collective bargaining Agreements in Accordance with Executive Order 14251, “Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs,” this memorandum serves as formal notification that, effective immediately, all collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) between the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE) and U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), are hereby terminated in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 14251, “Exclusions from Federal-Labor Management Relations Programs,” dated March 27, 2025. This order invoked the President’s authority under 5 U.S.C. § 7103(b)(1) and 22 U.S.C. § 4103(b) to exclude agencies and agency subdivisions from the provisions of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.
By operation of 5 U.S.C. § 7103(b) and EO 14251, DFAS is no longer subject to the collective bargaining requirements set forth in chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code (5 U.S.C. §§ 7101- 7135). EO 14251 does not apply to exempt employees as identified in EO 14251, and the certification published in 90 FR 17052, “Executive Order 14251 Certification,” April 23, 2025.
Additionally, bargaining units covered by a court order enjoining implementation of EO 14251 are not covered by this termination notice.
Accordingly, all CBAs, memoranda of understanding, memoranda of agreement, past
practices, and any other form of written or oral agreements between the parties are hereby
terminated. The union is no longer recognized as an exclusive representative of employees, and bargaining on their behalf will cease. For further information regarding this action and its implementation, please contact the DFAS Labor Employee Relations Division at dfas.indianapolis-in.zhl.mbx.ler@mail.mil.
14251, “Exclusions from Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Programs,”
and Accompanying Actions
As directed by the Secretary of War in his memorandum dated April 9, 2026,
Termination of Certain Collective bargaining Agreements in Accordance with Executive Order 14251, “Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs,” this memorandum serves as formal notification that, effective immediately, all collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) between the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE) and U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), are hereby terminated in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 14251, “Exclusions from Federal-Labor Management Relations Programs,” dated March 27, 2025. This order invoked the President’s authority under 5 U.S.C. § 7103(b)(1) and 22 U.S.C. § 4103(b) to exclude agencies and agency subdivisions from the provisions of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.
By operation of 5 U.S.C. § 7103(b) and EO 14251, DFAS is no longer subject to the collective bargaining requirements set forth in chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code (5 U.S.C. §§ 7101- 7135). EO 14251 does not apply to exempt employees as identified in EO 14251, and the certification published in 90 FR 17052, “Executive Order 14251 Certification,” April 23, 2025.
Additionally, bargaining units covered by a court order enjoining implementation of EO 14251 are not covered by this termination notice.
Accordingly, all CBAs, memoranda of understanding, memoranda of agreement, past
practices, and any other form of written or oral agreements between the parties are hereby
terminated. The union is no longer recognized as an exclusive representative of employees, and bargaining on their behalf will cease. For further information regarding this action and its implementation, please contact the DFAS Labor Employee Relations Division at dfas.indianapolis-in.zhl.mbx.ler@mail.mil.
