Trump's Federal Return-to-Office Push Faces Union and Space Challenges

President-elect Trump plans to mandate federal workers' return to offices, but union contracts and reduced office space complicate implementation.

Trump has announced plans to require federal employees to return to office work, threatening dismissals for non-compliance.
Approximately 56% of federal workers are covered by union contracts, many of which guarantee telework arrangements that could hinder Trump's mandate.
The General Services Administration has significantly reduced federal office space since the pandemic, raising concerns about capacity for in-person work.
Unions and legal experts warn that breaching existing telework agreements could lead to costly legal battles and labor disputes.
The return-to-office mandate aligns with broader Republican criticisms of remote work but faces logistical and political hurdles, including potential workforce attrition.