The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) accumulated a substantial bill at a luxury Washington, D.C. hotel while contesting a Trump-era executive order, ultimately losing the legal battle.
Legal Effort Against Executive Order
AFGE, the largest federal employee union, spent more than $400,000 at the Conrad Washington, DC hotel in 2019. The union was hosting its annual legislative conference and organizing efforts to oppose an executive order issued by then-President Donald Trump, which aimed to limit the power of federal employee unions.
According to financial disclosures, the union’s expenses at the hotel included $322,000 for conference services and over $80,000 for lodging. The hotel, located in downtown Washington, is known for its upscale amenities and high nightly rates.
Outcome of the Legal Challenge
The union’s legal campaign centered on challenging Trump’s 2018 executive order that sought to restrict union activities and reduce the time federal employees could spend on union business. Despite the significant financial outlay, the union’s efforts were unsuccessful. In 2019, a federal appeals court upheld the executive order, ruling against the union’s position.
Union’s Response and Financial Details
AFGE President Everett Kelley stated that the union’s spending was justified as part of its advocacy for federal workers’ rights. “We will always do what is necessary to defend our members,” Kelley said.
Financial records indicate that the union’s total expenses for the 2019 conference exceeded $400,000, with the majority allocated to the Conrad Washington, DC. The union’s filings show that the event was one of its largest annual expenditures.
Continued Advocacy Efforts
Despite the court’s decision, AFGE has continued to advocate for federal employees and challenge policies it views as detrimental to its members. The union remains active in lobbying efforts and legal actions related to federal labor issues.
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