Bureau of Prisons is Latest Federal Agency to Cut Union Ties
The U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is the latest federal agency to pull out of its union contracts. BOP announced that it formally cancelled its collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees Council of Prison Locals (AFGE CPL) effective immediately. The union represents more than 30,000 employees at various levels of BOP, including federal correction officers and other staff.
The action comes after President Trump’s March executive order allowed agencies to cancel contracts with organized labor if they have national security implications.
In a message to employees, BOP Director William K. Marshall III wrote that while he grew up in a union family, the current contract is an obstacle to progress.
“The current contract has too often slowed or prevented changes that would have made your jobs safer and your workdays better. This is not about questioning the value of representation; it’s about ensuring representation moves us forward, not holds us back,” wrote Director Marshall.
Director Marshall also noted that safeguards for workers on compensation, safety, job security, and civil service protections are guaranteed by law, and that those will continue.
“This isn’t about taking things away,it’s about giving you more. More clarity. More fairness. More respect. The whole purpose of ending this contract is to make your lives better. Period,” wrote Director Marshall.
Union Vow to Fight
But unions strongly disagreed, warning the move will further hurt recruitment and retention efforts, and could lead to more dangerous conditions for BOP employees.
“This is not just an attack on our union — it is an attack on every federal employee who serves this country with dedication and sacrifice,” said Brandy Moore White, president of the AFGE Council of Prison Locals. “The Collective Bargaining Agreement is the foundation that ensures fair treatment, workplace protections, and a voice for our staff. Removing it undermines the very principles of fairness and democracy in the workplace.”
Moore White and AFGE National President Everett Kelley vowed to take “every legal and legislative action” available to undo the action.