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This policy is not the product of unionization. Blaming unions for it makes as much sense as blaming the phases of the moon for it.

Further, "probationary" and "junior" are not the same thing. People who have recently been promoted or changed roles are in this category, even if they've been working for the federal government for decades and decades.

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Once you're past your probationary period, you are likely protected by a union. Therefore it is a side-effect of unionization that these junior-est of employees are the easiest pickings.

Agree that the term "junior" here has some nuance to it, though.

"Once you're past your probationary period, you are likely protected by a union."

Employees can join a union at any time federal public sector, including during a probationary period.

"Therefore it is a side-effect of unionization that these junior-est of employees are the easiest pickings."

Your premise is false, but even if it weren't, this wouldn't follow.

So they might be in the union, but not protected by it yet. Again, "new" or "junior" enough that the admin would rather go after them than "regular" employees.

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