FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2026
July 14, 2026
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-374-6491
[email protected]
AFGE Files Lawsuit Challenging Unlawful Retaliation Against Bureau of Prisons Local Union Leader
Categories:
BOP
AFGE Local 3003 president targeted for exercising First Amendment rights while speaking to media about impact of government shutdown, contract cancellation on members
WASHINGTON – Today, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) on behalf of David Demas, president of AFGE Local 3003, challenging BOP’s unlawful retaliation against Demas for his protected speech as a union leader.
The lawsuit argues that Demas was targeted for exercising his First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of association after he spoke to the press about the combined effects of the government shutdown and the agency’s cancellation of AFGE’s contract on the more than 30,000 BOP employees who AFGE represents.
“The Bureau of Prisons’ discipline of Mr. Demas is a clear attempt to chill unions and their members from exercising their First Amendment rights,” AFGE National President Everett Kelley said. “Mr. Demas was speaking on matters of clear public concern. AFGE will not stand by when this administration targets our members for speaking out about vital public issues.”
Demas is seeking rescission of a suspension, an injunction against BOP using agency policy to punish employees for constitutionally protected speech, and a declaration that BOP suspended him in retaliation for exercising his First Amendment rights.
“As the National Vice President of District 3, I want to support our labor leaders who are targeted for their union activities. This is a clear example of union animus, and it must be challenged,” AFGE District 3 National Vice President Philip Glover said.
Federal employees across agencies are facing growing pressure to stay silent about conditions in their workplaces.
“I am thankful AFGE is steadfast in representing our leader in defending his First Amendment rights,” AFGE Council of Prison Locals President Brandy Moore White said. “Public employees should not have to surrender their constitutional right to speak on matters of public concern or be disciplined for speaking up simply because they chose to be public servants.”
###
Click here to Donate to the AFGE Federal Employee Defense Fund.
For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
Follow us on:
