Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a new collective bargaining agreement with its largest union, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Council 238. The agreement, unanimously ratified by the union in May and implemented on June 14, 2024, includes several historic firsts for both EPA and AFGE. Among these are articles dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), as well as Scientific Integrity.

“We are thrilled to reach an agreement with AFGE Council 238. AFGE represents over 8,400 EPA employees who work every day to improve public health and protect our environment,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “The new agreement demonstrates this Administration’s strong support of unions and our commitment to providing a work environment that attracts and retains the best-qualified employees so that we can protect all of the communities that we serve.”

Marie Owens Powell, President of AFGE Council 238, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the negotiation: “We are proud of the groundbreaking firsts and other protections gained in this agreement. We need a strong workforce that has the resources and protections required to combat climate change, address natural disasters, and support affected communities. We wanted a contract that fosters a healthy work-life balance, enhances workforce retention and talent recruitment, and supports the vital work of EPA’s workforce. And we got it.”

The new agreement also extends current procedures and requirements for remote work, telework, and flexible work schedules. The contract is set to expire in 2028.