IowaParkersburg -

Lou,
Federal government employees have the right to join a union. Look at National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) and American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). They represent their members and even non-members for violations of hiring practices, unfair labor practices, unfair promotion practices, illegal terminations, and other issues. They are a necessary force as a go-between for labor and management.

Federal union officials also testify before Congress when it is time for salaries and wages to be discussed. This is for the entire Federal workforce but union officials make their viewpoints known.

Federal unions do NOT have the right to strike.

You, as a contract officer, did not have the right to be a union member since you were considered management. However, your employees had that right.