A new federal budget proposal making its way through Congress is raising serious alarms for unions and public workers across the country. Nicknamed the “Big Ugly Bill” by critics, this sweeping piece of legislation includes several changes that could gut long-standing job protections for federal employees. While it’s being sold as a cost-cutting measure, unions are warning: the real price is paid by workers.

What’s in the Bill?

The official name of the proposal hasn’t made headlines—but its impact could be felt for decades. One of the most concerning pieces? A provision that would force future federal employees to choose between their civil service rights and a big chunk of their paycheck.

Here’s how that trade-off would work:

• Option 1: Give up civil service protections—meaning you could be fired at will—and contribute 9.4% of your salary to your retirement.
• Option 2: Keep those protections but pay a whopping 14.4% into retirement—about 5% more than current workers’ pay.

Either way, workers lose— The added retirement costs could reduce take-home pay by thousands.

Civil service protections help shield federal jobs from political influence, they also ensure that hiring and firing decisions are based on skill and performance—not party loyalty. Watering down these protections could lead to a politicized workforce where job security depends more on politics than professionalism.

Why It Matters to Everyone

This isn’t just about federal workers. These changes threaten the very idea of a fair, reliable public workforce—one that serves the country regardless of which party is in power.

Many federal employees are responsible for processing veterans’ benefits, managing disaster responses, inspecting food for safety compliance, and securing our rail systems. Weakening these protections could open the door to hiring based on connections, not competence.

It may also make it harder to attract and keep qualified workers—especially younger workers who might not be willing to accept lower pay and less protections.

Unions Are Fighting Back

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), one of the country’s largest labor unions, has launched a major campaign to fight back. Their six-figure advertising campaign is running in nine states, targeting key senators who could decide the bill’s fate.

AFT President Randi Weingarten didn’t mince words; she called it “Trump’s Big Ugly Bill” and said it threatens “children’s health care, rural hospitals, retirement security, and the rights of working people.”

The AFT is not alone, other federal unions like the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) are calling this a direct attack on workers. AFGE President Everett Kelley said the bill is “retaliation” for unions standing up for their members over the past few years.

Where Things Stand

Right now, the bill is being debated in the Senate as part of a larger budget reconciliation package. Some parts of the proposal were scaled back, but the civil service cuts remain. There’s still hope that Senate rules, or enough public pressure, could force those pieces out before final passage.

But time is short. Lawmakers are moving fast, and unless workers and the public speak out, these changes could become law with little warning.

What You Can Do

Even if you’re not a federal worker, this matters. Civil service rules protect the integrity of the government services we all rely on. Here’s how you can help:

• Call your senators and ask them to reject any cuts to civil service protections.
• Share union messaging and informational materials explaining what’s at stake.
• Stay informed, and talk to friends or coworkers who may not know about the issue.

Final Thought

The “Big Ugly Bill” isn’t just a nickname—it’s a warning. At a time when Americans are demanding more accountability from their government, this proposal moves us in the wrong direction. It punishes workers, weakens public service, and threatens the foundation of a professional civil workforce.

Standing up to this bill is about more than protecting jobs. It’s about protecting fairness, stability, and the kind of government that serves people—not politics.

source:
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/congress/2025/06/cuts-to-civil-service-protections-remain-in-senate-committees-reconciliation-proposal/

https://www.aft.org/press-release/aft-launches-multistate-six-figure-ad-buy-targeting-big-ugly-bill?link_id=9&can_id=f8e28b21bd5f07b6b5ffbcac7b5cac1b&source=email-daily-brief-june-xx-2025-17&email_referrer=email_2787771&email_subject=daily-brief-june-25-2025&&