TROY – Union members rallied outside the Social Security Administration office Wednesday in support of a union official who painted words on the building's windows protesting what the workers contend are Trump administration moves to curtail union representation and activity for federal employees.

Adam Pelletier, a claims representative and union grievance chairman, issued the protest in washable paint on the building at 500 Federal St. on July 1 and was placed on paid administrative leave on three weeks ago.

“We’re totally behind his right to speak out. He’s just the catalyst for us to be here,” said Pedro “Pete” Aviles, an SSA employee in Schenectady and president of American Federal Government Employees Local 3343, which covers most SSA offices upstate.

The union's locals have rallied around the country as its lawyers in Washington, D.C., are seeking to stop the Trump administration's moves to limit union activities and representation in SSA offices, Aviles said.

As an example, Aviles and Pelletier pointed to the notification that they won’t be able to use a bulletin board for union announcements beginning July 31.

Pelletier said he was inspired him to write on the windows when he saw a manager measuring the bulletin board it.

“First they came for the bulletin board,” was one of the messages Pelletier wrote.

“They’re beginning by trying to take down the bulletin board,” he said.

His actions led managers at the SSA office to call city police, he said, and federal police officers arrived to escort him out of the offices on July 2.

Pelletier and Aviles said no explanation for Pelletier being placed on paid administrative leave has been offered.

The SSA New York Regional Office’s press office was aware of Pelletier's suspension when contacted Wednesday afternoon. A spokesman was not available to comment on the situation.

New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta was demonstrating with members of his and other unions.

“We want to show NYSUT’s support,” Pallotta said.

NYSUT has been dealing with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Janus decision that ends the collection of fees for public employees who don’t join unions. Pallotta said NYSUT has been reaching out to these members and finding they’re supporting the union’s activities.

Mike Silvestri, a vice president in NYSUT’s Schenectady local, said the teachers were fighting union busting.

“We’re in support with his issue,” said Seth Cohen, president of the Troy Teachers Association.