Trump apparently fires FLRA chairwoman

President Trump has apparently fired Federal Labor Relations Authority Chairwoman Susan Tsui Grundmann from her role leading the agency that oversees federal sector labor issues, as the administration continues to purge Democratic appointees from boards and commissions whilst neglecting to nominate GOP replacements.

Grundmann’s term was not set to expire until July 2025. According to federal law, FLRA members can only be removed only for “inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office,” and they must be given a hearing first.

Grundmann’s bio was wiped from the FLRA website Tuesday, and the page now lists the chair role as vacant. Anne Wagner, the FLRA’s other Democrat, and Republican Colleen Duffy Kiko remained as of Tuesday afternoon.

In an email Tuesday morning obtained by Government Executive, Grundmann said she was terminated from the agency and thanked the FLRA workforce for its service during her tenure.

“While this action was not entirely unexpected, I did not want the day to pass without saying farewell and to salute you, once again, for all that you do and all that you stand for,” she wrote. “It has been the privilege of my career to serve with you, which allowed me, once again, to return to my roots in the federal labor relations community. You renew my faith in the strength and resilience of our society, and in the selflessness of those who steadfastly serve.”

Grundmann’s removal comes amidst a governmentwide push to oust officials across federal oversight agencies. Since returning to office, Trump has fired more than a dozen inspectors general, Democratic appointees to the Merit System Protections Board and National Labor Relations Board, as well as the heads of the offices of Special Counsel and Government Ethics. Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger has since been reinstated until at least Thursday.              

Grundmann did not say in her email whether she would challenge her removal, and she did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. The FLRA did not respond to a request for comment.

In a statement, National Treasury Employees Union National President Doreen Greenwald condemned Grundmann's termination.

"The removal of the chair of the Federal Labor Relations Authority well before the end of her term is a blatant attempt to hobble the independent agency that helps protect the rights of federal employees," Greenwald said. "The FLRA is supposed to be a fair forum for handling unfair labor practice complaints and ensuring that collective bargaining in the public sector is preserved and protected, as the law requires, and this unlawful removal jeopardizes its important work."

This story has been updated at 5:49 p.m.