Posts tagged Economic Research Service

    News Article ● Labor Unions

    Three-quarters of USDA researchers tapped to relocate tell union they’re not going

    May 11, 2026 // USDA relocated hundreds of ERS and NIFA positions to Kansas City in 2019, but about 85% of impacted employees quit their jobs or retired, rather than relocate. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 3403, which represents USDA researchers, expects to see similar results this year. An internal survey conducted by the union found that 76% of its members have indicated they are not planning to relocate. AFGE Local 3403 said in a statement that these relocations, which are expected to go into effect by the end of the summer, will trigger a “brain drain” within the department.

    AFGE AFGE Local 3403 agriculture Agriculture Department Congress Economic Research Service Forest Service job security Kansas Kansas City National Federation of Federal Employees National Institute of Food and Agriculture quit relocation researchers retired Salt Lake City Trump Administration USDA Utah Washington D.C.