American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees v. Social Security Administration
BrynoDC Coverage 2 videos
Overview
Overview
American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees union and Voice of America Employees Union sued the U.S. Agency for Global Media over the cancelling its collective bargaining agreement which it alleges it related to the plaintiff's challenging of the dismantlement of USAGM and VOA.
Overview
3 national labor organizations represented by Democracy Forward sued the Social Security Administration and DOGE over DOGE's access to sensitive data from the SSA.
The Issue
Issue
Whether DOGE lawfully obtained or can access sensitive personal data held by the SSA without statutory authorization, and whether labor organizations have standing to challenge such access.
The Rules
Rule
The Privacy Act restricts federal agency disclosure of personal information except as authorized by statute. The Administrative Procedure Act requires agencies to follow procedural requirements before taking action. Executive branch entities must operate within the scope of authority Congress has delegated.
The Application
Analysis
DOGE's access to SSA's sensitive employee and beneficiary data implicates Privacy Act restrictions on inter-agency disclosure and may lack the statutory authorization required for such access. Labor organizations representing SSA employees and beneficiaries have a concrete interest in protecting members' privacy rights and employment records, establishing associational standing to challenge the disclosure.
The Conclusion
Conclusion
The case is active as of February 2025. Resolution turns on whether the court finds DOGE's data access violated statutory privacy protections or procedural requirements, and whether the government can identify statutory authority for DOGE's access to SSA records.
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