Case: Federal Education Association v. Trump

1:25-cv-01362 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: May 5, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

Executive Order 14251, issued by President Trump on March 27, 2025, revoked collective bargaining rights for the majority of federal workers, including civilian educators employed by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), under the pretext of “national security.” The same day, the Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management issued a memorandum to the heads of departments and agencies providing guidance on implementing the Executive Order, including specific determinatio…

Executive Order 14251, issued by President Trump on March 27, 2025, revoked collective bargaining rights for the majority of federal workers, including civilian educators employed by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), under the pretext of “national security.” The same day, the Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management issued a memorandum to the heads of departments and agencies providing guidance on implementing the Executive Order, including specific determinations of which agencies and subdivisions were to be excluded from the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (FSLMRS), also known as Title VII of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. This case challenges Executive Order 14251. 

On May 5, 2025, three labor unions representing DoDEA teachers, the Federal Education Association (FEA), the FEA Stateside Region (FEA-SR), and the Antilles Consolidated Education Association (ACEA), filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Represented by in-house counsel at the National Education Association (NEA), the plaintiffs sued President Trump, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and its Secretary, and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its Director. The case was assigned to District Judge Paul L. Friedman.

The plaintiffs alleged that, in pursuant to the Executive Order, the DOD ended union recognition, cancelled collective bargaining agreements, revoked dues deductions, denied official time and grievance procedures, and barred union representation in disciplinary meetings. They argued these actions unlawfully stripped employees of rights protected under FSLMRS.

On June 6, 2025, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint raising additional causes of action. First, they claimed the President acted ultra vires and violated the Separation of Powers by overriding statutory protections enacted by Congress. Second, they alleged retaliation and viewpoint discrimination in violation of the First Amendment. Third, they claimed the order violated the Fifth Amendment by singling out disfavored unions, retroactively abrogating contracts, and depriving employees of protected property interests without due process. Fourth, they challenged the Secretary of Defense’s refusal to exempt DoDEA from the Executive Order as arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.

On July 2, 2025, the plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction, citing irreparable harm. They detailed DoDEA’s repudiation of collective bargaining agreements; cancellation of union dues deductions, which accounted for over 80% of revenue; refusal to participate in grievance proceedings, including arbitration for hundreds of pay-related claims; and denial of official time, union representation during investigatory interviews, and sick-leave bank operations. They also described a mass workforce reorganization, including forced transfers and job eliminations, carried out without bargaining and allegedly targeting union members. The plaintiffs emphasized that the Executive Order preserved bargaining rights for police, security, and firefighter unions that had supported President Trump while stripping rights from opposing unions, arguing that the national security rationale was pretextual and citing White House statements acknowledging political motives.

On August 14, 2025, the court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction. The court determined that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits of their ultra vires claim, reasoning that the President's order was likely an "overly broad interpretation" of his authority under the statute. The court also found that the plaintiffs would suffer irreparable harm without the injunction, specifically noting the effective termination of collective bargaining agreements and the loss of bargaining power. 

This case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Scott Shuchart (5/11/2025)

Brian Chen (8/7/2025)

Victoria Tan (8/15/2025)

Related Cases

National Treasury Employees Union v. Trump, District of District of Columbia (2025)

American Foreign Service Association v. Trump, District of District of Columbia (2025)

American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations v. Trump, District of District of Columbia (2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70137963/parties/federal-education-association-v-trump/


Judge(s)

Friedman, Paul L. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Hostak, Philip Adam (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Becker, Tyler J. (District of Columbia)

Jines, Lydia Jane (District of Columbia)

Mauritzen, Jeremy (District of Columbia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-01362

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

Complaint
21

1:25-cv-01362

First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

Complaint
22

1:25-cv-01362

Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
35

1:25-cv-01362

Opinion

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 2355747

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70137963/federal-education-association-v-trump/

Last updated Aug. 21, 2025, 5:33 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT Federal Education Association et al against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11667503) filed by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Civil Cover Sheet)(Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/05/2025)

1 Summons

View on PACER

2 Summons

View on PACER

3 Summons

View on PACER

4 Summons

View on PACER

5 Summons

View on PACER

6 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/05/2025)

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

PACER
3

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/05/2025)

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

PACER
4

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/05/2025)

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

PACER
5

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by All Plaintiffs. Case related to Case No. 25-cv-00935. (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/05/2025)

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

PACER
6

SUMMONS (6) Issued Electronically as to CHARLES EZELL, PETER HEGSETH, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(znmw) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

PACER
7

REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE filed by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.(Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

PACER
8

REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE filed by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.(Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

PACER
9

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Philip A. Hostak, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11671420. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

PACER

Notice of Error- New Case

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

PACER

Case Assigned/Reassigned

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

PACER

Case Assigned to Judge Paul L. Friedman. (znmw)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

PACER

NOTICE OF NEW CASE ERROR regarding 1 Complaint,. The following error(s) need correction: Missing summonses- U.S. government. When naming a U.S. government agent or agency as a defendant, you must supply a summons for each defendant & two additional summonses for the U.S. Attorney & U.S. Attorney General. Please submit summonses for two agency defendants using the event Request for Summons to Issue. (znmw)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

PACER
10

NOTICE of Appearance by Philip Adam Hostak on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Hostak, Philip) (Entered: 05/07/2025)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

RECAP
11

SUMMONS (2) Issued Electronically as to UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT. (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zjm) (Entered: 05/07/2025)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER granting 9 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 7, 2025. (lcjd)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

PACER
12

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT served on 5/22/2025 (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

PACER
13

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE served on 5/19/2025 (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

PACER
14

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. PETER B. HEGSETH served on 5/19/2025 (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

PACER
15

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 05/19/2025. (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

PACER
16

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 5/19/2025. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 7/18/2025. (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

PACER
17

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. CHARLES EZELL served on 5/22/2025 (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

PACER
18

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. DONALD J. TRUMP served on 5/27/2025 (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

PACER
19

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Caitlin Rooney, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11716398. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing)(Walta, Jason) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

PACER
20

NOTICE of Appearance by Caitlin Rooney on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Rooney, Caitlin) (Entered: 05/28/2025)

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER granting 19 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 28, 2025. (lcjd)

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

PACER
21

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.(Walta, Jason) (Entered: 06/21/2025)

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

Clearinghouse
22

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support Memorandum in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Declaration Declaration of Richard Tarr, # 3 Declaration Declaration of Alan Danahy, # 4 Declaration Declaration of Alexis Gorbea, # 5 Declaration Declaration of Ben Hunter, # 6 Declaration Declaration of William Freeman, # 7 Declaration Declaration of Robin Smith, # 8 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Hostak, Philip) (Entered: 07/02/2025)

1

View on RECAP

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Clearinghouse
23

ORDER scheduling oral argument on Plaintiffs' 22 Motion for a Preliminary Injunction for August 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and directing parties to meet and confer and file a joint status report. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on July 7, 2025. (lcjd) (Entered: 07/03/2025)

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

PACER

Set/Reset Hearings

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

PACER

Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 8/4/2025 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 29A- In Person before Judge Paul L. Friedman. (tj)

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

PACER
24

NOTICE of Appearance by Lydia Jane Jines on behalf of All Defendants (Jines, Lydia) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

PACER
25

Joint STATUS REPORT by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION. (Walta, Jason) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

PACER

.Order

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 25 Joint Status Report, the defendants shall file their opposition to plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction [Dkt. No. 22] on or before July 22, 2025. The plaintiffs shall file their reply on or before July 29, 2025. Furthermore, the defendants' deadline to respond to the plaintiffs' amended complaint is STAYED pending the resolution of plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on July 7, 2025. (lcjd)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

PACER
26

NOTICE of Appearance by Jeremy Mauritzen on behalf of CHARLES EZELL, PETER B. HEGSETH, DONALD J. TRUMP, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (Mauritzen, Jeremy) (Entered: 07/22/2025)

July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

PACER
27

Memorandum in opposition to re 22 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by CHARLES EZELL, PETER B. HEGSETH, DONALD J. TRUMP, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT. (Attachments: # 1 Ex. 1: Cogar Decl., # 2 Ex. 1-A: FEA CBA, # 3 Ex. 1-B: FEA-SR Pro CBA, # 4 Ex. 1-C: FEA-SR Non-Pro CBA, # 5 Ex. 1-D: ACEA CBA, # 6 Text of Proposed Order)(Mauritzen, Jeremy) (Entered: 07/22/2025)

July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

PACER
28

NOTICE of Appearance by Tyler J. Becker on behalf of All Defendants (Becker, Tyler) (Entered: 07/25/2025)

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

PACER
29

REPLY to opposition to motion re 22 Motion for Preliminary Injunction,, filed by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION. (Hostak, Philip) (Entered: 07/29/2025)

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

PACER

.Order

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: The Court will connect the public-access telephone line for the motion hearing now scheduled for August 4 at 10:00 a.m. Any member of the public or media may access the public-access line by dialing (833) 990-9400, and using meeting ID 492497252. As a reminder, any use of the public-access telephone line requires adherence to the general prohibition against recording, livestreaming, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings (including those held by videoconference). Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on July 30, 2025. (lcjd)

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

PACER
30

Joint STATUS REPORT by CHARLES EZELL, PETER B. HEGSETH, DONALD J. TRUMP, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT. (Mauritzen, Jeremy) (Entered: 08/01/2025)

Aug. 1, 2025

Aug. 1, 2025

PACER
31

ORDER setting forth questions for oral argument on August 4, 2025. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on August 1, 2025. (lcjd) (Entered: 08/01/2025)

Aug. 1, 2025

Aug. 1, 2025

RECAP

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Paul L. Friedman: Motion Hearing held on 8/4/2025 re 22 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. Oral argument heard, and the court takes the motion under advisement. Parties to submit a proposed order for the court's consideration by noon on August 6, 2025. (Court Reporter: Chandra Kean) (tj)

Aug. 4, 2025

Aug. 4, 2025

PACER

Motion Hearing AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

Aug. 4, 2025

Aug. 4, 2025

PACER
32

Joint STATUS REPORT by ANTILLES CONSOLIDATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATESIDE REGION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Revised Proposed Order)(Walta, Jason) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order Revised Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

RECAP
33

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS before Judge Paul L. Friedman held on August 4, 2025; Page Numbers: 1-55. Date of Issuance: August 14, 2025. Court Reporter/Transcriber Chandra Kean, RMR, Email: Chandra_Kean@dcd.uscourts.gov. Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order FormFor the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov. Redaction Request due 9/4/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 9/14/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 11/12/2025.(Kean, Chandra) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

PACER
34

ORDER granting Plaintiffs' 22 Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. The parties are directed to file a joint status report on or before September 5, 2025. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on August 14, 2025. (lcjd) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

RECAP
35

OPINION granting Plaintiffs' 22 Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. See Opinion for details. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on August 14, 2025. (lcjd)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

RECAP
36

NOTICE OF APPEAL TO DC CIRCUIT COURT as to 34 Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, CHARLES EZELL, UNITED STATES OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT, DONALD J. TRUMP, PETER B. HEGSETH. Fee Status: No Fee Paid. Parties have been notified. (Jines, Lydia) (Entered: 08/18/2025)

Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

PACER
37

Transmission of Notice of Appeal and Docket Sheet to USCA

Aug. 19, 2025

Aug. 19, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government (Appointments/Civil Service)

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 5, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Three labor unions representing civilian educators employed by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA): the Federal Education Association (FEA), the Federal Education Association Stateside Region (FEA-SR), and the Antilles Consolidated Education Association (ACEA).

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

United States (- United States (national) -), Federal

Department of Defense (- United States (national) -), Federal

Office of Personnel Management (District of Columbia), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Due Process: Substantive Due Process

Freedom of speech/association

Separation of Powers

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Order Duration: 2025 - None

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

Retaliation

Discrimination Area:

Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc.)

Pay / Benefits