Elon Musk's controversial organization, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has sparked significant legal action from labor unions. The AFL-CIO and several other unions have filed a lawsuit in federal court to prevent DOGE from gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data within the Department of Labor. This legal move highlights concerns over Musk’s attempts to influence government operations without proper legal authority. The unions argue that DOGE’s rapid intrusion into federal agencies poses serious risks to workers' rights and the protection of personal information.

The legal battle extends beyond just the Department of Labor. Another lawsuit concerning DOGE’s access to the Treasury Department’s systems has raised alarms about potential breaches of privacy for millions of Americans. Two new officials from DOGE, Thomas Krause and Marko Elez, have been appointed to the Treasury, raising questions about their roles and responsibilities. US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly indicated she might block external access to Treasury system data, ensuring that Musk and his team cannot misuse this information. This decision underscores the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality and ethical standards in government operations.

In response to these challenges, the AFL-CIO has launched an initiative called the Department of People Who Work for a Living. This unofficial agency aims to monitor and report on DOGE’s activities, particularly focusing on how they impact working-class Americans. The AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler, emphasized that the government should prioritize the needs of its citizens over the interests of billionaires. By standing up against Musk’s efforts to dismantle essential services and protections for workers, the unions are advocating for a fairer and more equitable society where everyone’s rights are respected and upheld.