HUD Employees Push Back Against Doge Reporting

A growing battle is unfolding between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and its employees over a controversial new directive requiring weekly work reports. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National Council 222, which represents over 5,300 HUD workers, is demanding an immediate halt to the policy, arguing that it violates federal labor laws and oversteps worker rights.

At the heart of the dispute is a directive from the U.S. DOGE Service, which mandates HUD employees submit detailed reports on their tasks each week. The union has responded with a cease-and-desist letter, stating that the requirement was imposed without prior negotiation and goes against collective bargaining agreements. Even more concerning, employees must submit their reports within two days or face potential termination—a move the union says places undue pressure on workers.

AFGE is standing firm, arguing that this directive is legally unenforceable. They are prepared to escalate the matter, including filing a formal complaint with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA).

Beyond legal violations, workers are also questioning the transparency of the reporting system. Many fear their submitted reports could be used against them, with little clarity on who will have access to the data or how it will be handled. With concerns mounting, opposition to the directive is growing not just among HUD employees but also across multiple federal agencies.

The directive has caught the attention of lawmakers, with some members of Congress pushing back against the new rules. Certain agency leaders have even gone as far as advising employees not to comply. While the White House insists that these measures are necessary to track federal workforce efficiency, critics argue that they create an atmosphere of distrust and could disrupt agency operations.

If HUD refuses to withdraw the directive, AFGE has made it clear they will escalate their actions, possibly leading to further legal battles or collective bargaining actions. For now, the standoff continues, and HUD employees remain caught in the middle of a policy fight that could have far-reaching implications for federal workplace rights.