Story perspectives

Veterans Affairs Leads Federal Defense Jobs Amid Union Challenges

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Veterans Affairs Department employs the most federal workers in defense-related roles, followed by the Navy and Army.
Many workers in these agencies tend to vote Republican.
Federal unions have limited power because they cannot negotiate pay or strike, reducing their leverage against Republicans.
Negotiations are challenging, particularly under Democratic administrations.
Protecting whistleblowers against fraud and waste remains important, and voiding union contracts could undermine those protections.

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Story summary

The Veterans Affairs Department employs the most federal workers in defense-related roles, followed by the Navy and Army.
Many workers in these agencies tend to vote Republican.
Federal unions have limited power because they cannot negotiate pay or strike, reducing their leverage against Republicans.
Negotiations are challenging, particularly under Democratic administrations.
Protecting whistleblowers against fraud and waste remains important, and voiding union contracts could undermine those protections.