Martha Bellisle.

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction to stop Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from killing a collective bargaining agreement for Transportation Safety Administration workers. U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman of Seattle says an injunction is needed to preserve the rights and benefits TSA workers have enjoyed for years while being represented by the  American Federation of Government Employees. Pechman’s order Monday says the union’s lawsuit shows that Noem’s directive to end the agreement “constitutes impermissible retaliations.” AFGE National President Everett Kelley says the court’s decision “is a crucial victory for federal workers and the rule of law.”