January 28, 2026
Federal worker unions sue Trump to block FEMA staffing cuts affecting thousands of employees
FEMA workers seek court protection from disaster response cuts
🏛️Government⚖️Justice
Federal employee unions filed the lawsuit on Jan. 28, 2026 in federal court. The unions include the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), and others representing FEMA workers nationwide.
The Trump administration announced plans to cut thousands of positions at FEMA as part of a broader government efficiency initiative. The cuts target both frontline disaster response staff and administrative positions, potentially reducing FEMA's workforce by up to 25%.
Union leaders argue the cuts violate the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute and other federal labor laws. They claim the administration failed to provide required notice and bargaining with employee representatives before deciding on the reductions.
FEMA currently employs approximately 20,000 workers nationwide, including 10,000 full-time staff and 10,000 disaster reservists who deploy during emergencies. The cuts would primarily affect permanent staff while preserving some reservist positions.
The lawsuit seeks an immediate injunction to halt the staffing cuts until their legality can be fully reviewed. Unions also want the court to require the administration to follow proper labor negotiation procedures.
Climate scientists predict increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters due to climate change. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported 2025 had 22 separate billion-dollar weather disasters, breaking the previous record of 22 set in 2020.
FEMA's budget has remained flat at approximately $20 billion annually since 2021, while disaster costs have risen to over $100 billion per year. The staffing cuts come as the agency faces growing demands with static funding.
🏛️Government⚖️Justice
People, bills, and sources
Everett Kelley
President of the American Federation of Government Employees
Deanne Criswell
FEMA Administrator
Russell Vought
Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Tony Reardon
President of the National Treasury Employees Union
Jared Moskowitz
U.S. Representative (D-FL)
Michael Macagnone
Journalist
What you can do
1
civic action
Contact your representatives about FEMA funding and staffing
Congress controls FEMA's budget and can influence staffing decisions. Citizens can advocate for adequate disaster response funding and workforce levels.
Hi, I'm calling about the proposed FEMA staffing cuts. The agency faces increasing disasters with flat funding while the administration wants to cut thousands of positions. I want to know: Do you support adequate FEMA staffing for disaster response? Will you work to ensure FEMA has the resources needed for climate-related emergencies? Thank you.
2
civic action
Support organizations that help disaster survivors
While FEMA faces staffing challenges, private organizations provide critical disaster relief services. Supporting these groups helps fill gaps in federal response capacity.
Hi, I'm calling to support disaster relief efforts as FEMA faces staffing cuts. With increasing climate-related disasters, private organizations like yours are more important than ever. What kind of disaster assistance do you provide? How can I volunteer or donate to help communities affected by floods, wildfires, and storms? Thank you.
3
civic action
Learn about climate change and disaster preparedness
Understanding climate change impacts helps communities prepare for more frequent disasters. Local preparedness reduces reliance on federal response during emergencies.
Hi, I'm calling to learn about disaster preparedness as climate change increases disaster risks. I want to understand: What steps can families take to prepare for emergencies? How can communities reduce disaster impacts? What resources does FEMA provide for local preparedness? Thank you.
4
civic action
Support federal worker unions and labor rights
Unions protect federal workers from arbitrary staffing cuts and ensure proper labor procedures. Supporting union advocacy helps maintain government effectiveness.
Hi, I'm calling to support federal workers in light of the FEMA staffing cuts lawsuit. I want to understand: What protections do federal workers have against arbitrary cuts? How do unions ensure government effectiveness? How can I support federal worker rights and proper government staffing? Thank you.