Federal Bargaining Reform (E.O. 13836)

Summary

Makes the process for government agencies to negotiate with employee unions faster and cheaper, while giving managers more control.

What problem does this solve?

Negotiations between federal agencies and employee unions often take too long, cost too much money, and make it hard for managers to run their agencies well. This order sets new rules to speed up negotiations, reduce costs, and give agencies more flexibility to manage their workers.

What does this order do?

Sets time limits for union contract negotiations

Suggests that talks for a new union contract should take between four and six months. If talks last longer than nine months, the President must be notified.

Creates an Interagency Labor Relations Working Group

Establishes a new group, led by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to help government agencies share information and coordinate their negotiation strategies with unions.

Limits topics that can be negotiated

Forbids agencies from bargaining with unions over certain topics related to how the agency is managed, giving managers more direct control over operations.

Makes union contracts public

Requires all federal agencies to send their union contracts to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which will post them online for the public to see.

Cancels older rules on labor-management partnerships

Directs agencies to get rid of any requirements based on old executive orders that promoted partnerships between unions and management, favoring a more direct negotiation style.

Who does this affect?

Federal government employees
Federal employee unions
Federal agency managers

What is the real world impact?

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Increases government efficiency and reduces costs

Aims to make government work better and save taxpayer money by setting deadlines for union contract talks and focusing on agency needs. This ensures negotiations don't drag on for years at public expense.

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Strengthens management's position in negotiations

Gives federal managers more power by limiting the topics unions can negotiate on and setting tight timelines. This could make it easier for agencies to implement changes without long delays from union bargaining.

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Potentially weakens federal employee unions

Critics may argue that by rushing negotiations and limiting bargaining topics, the order makes it harder for unions to protect workers' rights and negotiate for better conditions, shifting power heavily to management.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on May 25, 2018, and sets several deadlines for agencies and the Office of Personnel Management.

Public Access to Union Contracts

Within 90 days of the order, the OPM Director must create a format for agencies to submit their union contracts for public viewing.

Report to the President

Within 18 months of its first meeting, the new Labor Relations Group must give the President a report with ideas for improving labor relations.

Notification for Long Negotiations

Agency heads must be notified monthly after negotiations last longer than six months and must inform the President if they exceed nine months.