In an important reform, President Trump has signed an executive order ending collective bargaining at most federal agencies.

Here’s why it matters. When government workers can bargain collectively, they become a powerful special interest — with priorities for pay, working conditions, and job security that are often contrary to the taxpayers supporting them. Private sector unions know they can bankrupt their employer if their demands become too extreme, but there’s no such limit on government unions. They just demand tax increases — and throw their considerable political support to the party that will demand them.

There’s even a practice called “release time.” Government employees spend their time working for the union, but receive taxpayer funded salary and benefits.

There’s a reason President Franklin Roosevelt opposed government unions. They’re part of a system rife with abuse. Congress should end government union collective bargaining through legislation.