Labor and Safety Groups File Suit to Restore NIOSH Programs
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A coalition of labor unions, public health organizations, and a personal protective equipment manufacturer has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging federal actions that they say have significantly reduced staffing and operations at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
The complaint alleges that recent cutbacks to NIOSH threaten the continuation of essential services, including respirator certification, mine safety research, health hazard investigations, and training for occupational health professionals. According to the plaintiffs, more than 85 percent of NIOSH’s workforce is at risk of layoff by July.
Plaintiffs include the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers, United Steelworkers, United Auto Workers, National Nurses United, the United Mine Workers of America, and others. Legal representation is being provided by the Public Citizen Litigation Group and the AFL-CIO’s Office of the General Counsel.
On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services rescinded layoff notices for approximately 300 NIOSH employees following a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge. Plaintiffs are seeking full reinstatement of all staff and programs.
NIOSH, a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services, plays a central role in occupational health research, safety evaluations, and respirator certification. Its services are widely used in industries including healthcare, construction, mining, and manufacturing.
According to labor groups, the loss of these functions could affect worker health and safety nationwide. The lawsuit follows a May 1 letter from the AFL-CIO and 27 unions urging congressional intervention.
NIOSH is the federal institute that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
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