The Office of Personnel Management has resumed detailed reporting on “official time,” offering a clearer look at how much taxpayer-funded union activity costs the federal government. Official time allows federal employees to perform union-related duties during work hours while still receiving their regular pay. It is authorized under federal law and has long been a point of debate.
According to newly released OPM data, the cost of official time increased by nearly 54 percent over the past five years. In fiscal year 2019, official time cost taxpayers about $135 million. By fiscal year 2024, that figure had climbed to more than $207 million. Reporting on these costs had been paused for several years and was reinstated in early 2026 under the current administration.
The reports show that spending growth was driven by more than just workforce size. The number of hours spent on official time rose by over 24 percent, increasing from 2.61 million hours in 2019 to 3.24 million hours in 2024. During the same period, the number of union-represented federal employees grew by less than 4 percent. On average, official time hours per bargaining-unit employee also increased, suggesting that more time was being devoted to union activities per worker.
OPM points to policy changes in recent years as a contributing factor. Expanded collective bargaining, increased labor-management forums, and broader involvement of unions in agency decision-making likely played a role in driving higher usage and costs. While official time spending has reached similar levels in the past, the latest figures reflect a return to higher spending after earlier restrictions had reduced costs.
In addition to official time, OPM released a supplemental report detailing collective bargaining expenses across federal agencies. For fiscal year 2024, these costs totaled $181.6 million. Most of this amount went toward employee compensation, with the rest covering expenses such as arbitration fees, travel, and office space. The report covers 54 agencies and highlights how lengthy negotiations over issues like workplace rules and disciplinary procedures can consume significant resources.
OPM Director Scott Kupor has raised concerns about efficiency, noting that some federal employees spend a majority of their time on union duties rather than agency missions. OPM has urged agencies to review these arrangements and limit excessive use where appropriate.
Combined, official time and collective bargaining expenses approached $390 million in fiscal year 2024. With additional reporting for fiscal year 2025 due soon, lawmakers and agency leaders may use the data to consider new oversight measures or policy changes.
Major federal unions such as AFGE and NARFE have historically defended official time as necessary to ensure fair representation for all employees, including those who do not pay union dues. Critics, however, argue that the rising costs highlight the need for stronger limits and accountability.
