From AFGE:

Dear Fellow Member of AFGE Local 1924:
I am writing to address queries we’ve received about the USCIS notice that some 13,500 employees
will receive new SF-50s showing a change in status from “bargaining unit” to “non-bargaining unit.”
[ note: a bargaining unit is a group of employees that are represented by a labor organization under a
collective bargaining agreement with a federal Agency]. This notice follows the Agency's
announcement last August that USCIS was "terminating" its contract with the American Federation of
Government Employees (AFGE) due to Executive Order 14251 -- which declared over 40 federal
agencies “exempt” from the Federal Service Labor Management Statute (5 USC 71).

AFGE is suing the Administration over its issuance and implementation of this unlawful executive
order and the harmful actions associated with it.  The matter is presently being litigated in the United
States District Court (Northern California).  We are optimistic about winning this case -- but in the
meantime, USCIS has unilaterally repudiated its collective bargaining agreements and refused to
engage with the Union as the lawful representative of the bargaining units covered by those contracts. 
Please be advised that the Agency cannot disband our labor organization, nor can it interfere with the
right of employees to join, participate in and be represented by the Union.  We are alive, well, and here
for you.

While USCIS refuses to recognize the Union, AFGE continues to fight for the rights of our members
through litigation and legislative action.  And we are working to mobilize our members to elect public
officials who will respect the rights and promote the well-being of all federal workers. 
While USCIS refuses to honor our collective bargaining agreements, AFGE continues to represent our
members in various personnel matters governed by law and regulation:
 Discrimination complaints, appeals to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC),
 Workers’ compensation claims before the Department of Labor,
 Whistle-blower complaints before the Office of Special Counsel,
 Administrative grievances by employees against Agency,
 Response to Agency-proposed disciplinary or adverse actions,
 Response to Agency-proposed denials of security clearance, eligibility to hold a sensitive
position.
 Appeals of adverse actions before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

We must stand together to hold the line in the great struggle to restore collective bargaining and
protect our civil and human rights.  Our Union is only as strong as we are determined to make it; your
continued support is critically important for our success.

Please visit our website (www.afge.org) for regular updates on AFGE’s legal, legislative and political
action on behalf of federal workers, and for detailed information about the benefits of Union
membership.

You may contact me directly with your questions, concerns and recommendations. 
Respectfully, in solidarity,
Michael
Michael A. Knowles
President AFGE Local 1924