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Head of Top U.S. Federal Union Resigns Amid Harassment Claims

A dozen people who’ve worked for J. David Cox said they witnessed or experienced inappropriate behavior by the president. 

Jeffrey David Cox speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9, 2019. 

Jeffrey David Cox speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9, 2019. 

Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg
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J. David Cox, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, on Friday resigned from his position at the largest federal workers union in the U.S. amid mounting allegations of misconduct.

“I am certain that our great union will continue leading the fight against attacks on our members’ pay, benefits, retirement, and rights on the job,” AFGE's national secretary-treasurer Everett Kelley, who is taking over Cox's position, told staff in an email Friday announcing the change. “Even while we do that, we know that there is still work that we can do to improve our culture here at AFGE and bring about a more inclusive workplace, free from discrimination and harassment.”