AFSA to Congress: Restore Bargaining Rights. Rebuild America’s Diplomatic Strength.

For Immediate Release
November 5, 2026
Press Contact: Communications & Outreach Director Nikki Gamer | gamer@afsa.org

Washington, D.C. – Following this week’s midterm elections, the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) calls on the incoming Congress to make restoring collective bargaining rights for federal employees a priority in January. AFSA also calls on incoming lawmakers to address the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department’s reductions in force, including remedies for affected employees.

“Restoring workers’ rights belongs at the top of the new Congressional agenda,” said AFSA President John Dinkelman. “America’s diplomats negotiate for our country every day. They deserve a voice in their own workplace.”

The Protect America’s Workforce Act offers Congress a way to reverse executive orders stripping federal employees of collective bargaining rights. Its bipartisan passage in the current House demonstrates support across party lines. AFSA calls for the legislation’s prompt reintroduction and passage by both chambers in the new Congress.

The demands come as Foreign Service employees and their families face upheaval both at work and overseas, especially following the outbreak of war with Iran.

“Some of our families face another evacuation just as they get their children settled back in school. They don’t know what financial support they can count on,” Dinkelman said. “These families accept the risks of serving abroad. They should be able to count on their own government to have their backs.”

AFSA calls for rigorous congressional oversight of USAID’s dismantling and the State Department's reductions in force, including the consequences for America’s ability to respond to crises. That oversight must lead to meaningful remedies for affected employees and pathways back to service that recognize their experience. Congress must also protect career employees from political retaliation and provide the staffing and resources America’s foreign affairs agencies need.

“Imagine being told your service is no longer needed while watching the need for your work grow,” Dinkelman said. “That is what State and USAID professionals face. Their expertise represents years of service and a substantial investment by American taxpayers. Congress should help put it back to work.”

AFSA is pressing lawmakers in both parties to make these priorities part of the new Congress’ agenda from day one. Restoring rights and putting experienced professionals back to work are concrete steps toward rebuilding America’s diplomatic strength.

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) is the professional association and labor union of the men and women of the United States Foreign Service.