Labor Unions Sue to Restore NIOSH Programs After Major Federal Reorganization

Labor Unions Sue to Restore NIOSH Programs After Major Federal Reorganization

On May 14, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)—representing workers across education, manufacturing, mining, and nursing—joined by a personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturer, filed a federal lawsuit aiming to reverse these sweeping changes.

What Happened to NIOSH?

In late March, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the creation of the new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). This move consolidated NIOSH with several other agencies, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

Previously, NIOSH operated as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with a specific mandate to conduct occupational health and safety research, develop interventions, and support worker safety. Its sister agency, OSHA, is responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards.

Why Are Labor Unions Suing?

The AFL-CIO and its allies argue that the reorganization has resulted in deep cuts to essential NIOSH programs, putting workers’ health and safety at risk. Key programs affected include:

• Respirator Certification and PPE Testing: NIOSH’s role in certifying respirators and testing PPE is critical for worker safety across industries, from construction to healthcare. The cuts threaten the integrity of protective equipment and increase the risk of counterfeit products entering the market.

• Mine Safety Research and Medical Screenings: NIOSH’s research and screenings for coal miners are vital for preventing occupational diseases and ensuring safe working conditions.

• Health Hazard Evaluations (HHE): The institute’s HHE program investigates workplace exposures to toxins and other hazards, providing crucial information to mitigate risks.

• Training for Safety Professionals: Funding for university-based training and field internships for industrial hygienists, epidemiologists, and occupational health professionals is in jeopardy.

• Support for Medical Compensation: NIOSH provides scientific support for compensation programs benefiting nuclear weapons workers and 9/11 first responders.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler condemned the cuts, stating, “By gutting NIOSH, Elon Musk and his DOGE won’t just be cutting corners—they are cutting lives short and placing working people in danger”.

Wider Pushback from Safety and Health Organizations

The labor unions are not alone in their concerns. The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) issued a policy statement urging Congress to scrutinize the HHS decision. Over 100 members of Congress have called on President Donald J. Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse the staff terminations at NIOSH.

Meanwhile, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) launched a campaign to restore NIOSH’s staffing and funding, partnering with the ASSP, the National Safety Council (NSC), and more than 20 other environment, health, and safety associations. This coalition is presenting a unified front against the cuts to NIOSH programs and staff.

What’s Next?

The lawsuit and the growing coalition of professional and labor organizations signal a major fight over the future of occupational health and safety research in the United States. As the case moves through federal court and advocacy efforts intensify, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for worker safety, scientific research, and public health policy nationwide.