Federal employees at the Labor Department are on edge as they strive to prevent Elon Musk's government efficiency team from disrupting the agency and accessing sensitive computer systems, echoing similar challenges faced by USAID and the Office of Personnel Management.
Legal Action Against DOGE
Government employee unions and labor organizations have taken legal action by filing a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, alleging that Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is planning to unlawfully access Labor Department systems with confidential data and terminate career staff.
Protests and Controversy
As representatives of DOGE were set to visit the Labor Department in Washington, D.C., concerns mounted, leading to protests by lawmakers and labor groups outside the Frances Perkins Building.
The lawsuit claims that senior agency officials have instructed staff to comply with Musk's team's requests without question, even bypassing security protocols.
Employee Concerns
Employees fear repercussions if they resist, as the lawsuit states that non-compliance could result in termination. The Labor Department's computer systems house a wealth of sensitive information, from workers' compensation cases to vital economic data.
Union Support
The American Federation of Government Employees and other major unions have joined forces to challenge DOGE's actions, citing patterns of rapid transformation and dismantling of agencies at the expense of employees.
Legal Battles Continue
These legal battles are part of a broader effort by federal personnel unions to combat DOGE's influence on reshaping the federal workforce and voiding union agreements.