Labor and Safety Groups File Suit to Restore NIOSH Programs
Labor and safety groups sued to reverse staffing and program cuts at NIOSH, citing risks to worker health.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- May 15, 2025
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% 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On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services rescinded layoff notices for approximately 300 NIOSH employees following a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge.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.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.