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Washington, D.C. — The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) opposes a provision of the defense authorization bill that would weaken worker health and safety protections at Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons facilities. NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley is calling for adoption of an amendment correcting the flawed provision.

“The work done at these facilities is extremely hazardous and there is a long history of safety problems,” wrote Kelley in a letter to the members of the House Rules Committee. “Given this work involves the most dangerous substances and weapons in the world, it is probably the last workplace that should see reduced health and safety standards and inspections.”

The NTEU president called on them to support an amendment by Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) correcting language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would transfer worker safety and health responsibilities from DOE’s Office of Health, Safety and Security to the National Nuclear Security Administration, while eliminating the current standards that impose fines and penalties for violations.

“The employees of the Office of Health, Safety and Security are uniquely skilled, trained and experienced at protecting worker life and health at these facilities,” Kelley wrote. “Transferring their functions to bureaus without such experience or expertise would be a reckless act and endanger those employees that serve our country’s defense in these facilities.”

Kelley wrote that NTEU hopes that the House Rules Committee will allow a vote on the Miller amendment and the full House will adopt it when the NDAA comes to the floor later this week.

NTEU represents about 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.