Union Head Talks IRS Hiring Push, Possible Shutdown

The union that represents about 65,000 IRS employees is teaming up with the agency to help attract new talent amid a hiring spree. The Democrats' tax-and-climate law gave the IRS tens of billions to dollars to modernize and go after taxpayers who haven't been paying what they owe. To do that, the IRS needs to build up its workforce, but it is competing with the more-lucrative private sector. That's where the National Treasury Employees Union is stepping in. Bloomberg Tax reporter Erin Slowey spoke with NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald about what the union is doing to negotiate benefits and flexibilities that make it more attractive to come work at the IRS, and why it's important to have a fully funded agency. She also warned about what a possible shutdown in early 2024 would do to the current and prospective workforce. Do you have feedback on this episode of Talking Tax? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.