USDA ends union contracts for thousands of inspection staff Move affects meat, poultry, egg safety and plant health roles14 August 2025 14 August 2025 2 minute read 2 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media North AmericaThe US Department of Agriculture (USDA) moved to terminate union contracts with thousands of employees of its animal health and food safety inspection agencies, according to documents seen by Reuters, as one union on Wednesday challenged the firings in court. The Trump administration also has moved to end union contracts at the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies under the executive order. "USDA is optimizing our workforce and returning the Department to a customer service-focused, farmer-first agency," an agency spokesperson said. At least another 150 APHIS employees in a second agency union will also be affected, said a source familiar with the situation. A federal appeals court on August 1 lifted an injunction that had prevented agencies from implementing the executive order.