Congressional Republicans are taking action to uncover how taxpayer dollars are being allocated to support union-related activities within federal agencies.
The Daily Caller reported that the GOP-led House Committee on Education and the Workforce has issued letters to three federal agencies demanding detailed information about the use of "official time" by federal employees for union-related activities.
This move comes in response to the Biden-Harris administration's departure from the historical practice of reporting on such activities.
The committee, led by Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, has requested that the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provide comprehensive data on the amount of taxpayer-funded wages used for union activism, the duration of such activities, and the specific nature of these union-related tasks.
Republicans argue that the current administration has obscured the practice of "official time," which allows federal employees to engage in union activities during work hours instead of performing their assigned public service duties.
The committee's letters highlight examples of what they consider questionable uses of time and resources, such as negotiations over cubicle desk panel heights and dress code policies for federal employees.
According to the last available data from the 2019 fiscal year, on-the-clock union activism by federal employees cost taxpayers $135 million. This translated to 2.6 million hours, equivalent to approximately 296 years of work time, spent on union-related activities rather than job-specific tasks.
The committee emphasized the need for transparency, stating:
Taxpayers deserve federal agencies that spend every ounce of their efforts to fulfill their missions as created by Congress.
Public unions, including those representing federal employees, have historically shown strong support for the Democratic Party. The committee's actions suggest a concern about the potential political implications of using federal resources for union activities.
Beyond compensating employees for union activities, the federal government also covers costs related to collective bargaining.
The House Workforce Committee is seeking disclosure on expenses such as expert retention for union negotiations, travel and lodging costs, administrative expenses for collective bargaining, and the market value of government-owned office space provided to unions.
The committee argues that these resources could be better utilized to implement programs benefiting the American people. They have set an October 24 deadline for the agencies to respond to their requests for information. As of the report, only the EEOC had acknowledged receipt of the letter, stating their commitment to working with congressional partners to address employment discrimination and promote equal opportunity.
This investigation by House Republicans highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of federal resources and the balance between government efficiency and labor rights. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for how federal agencies manage their workforce and resources in relation to union activities.
