Congresswoman Emily Randall Demands Answers on VA Workforce Terminations
Congresswoman Emily Randall of Washington's 6th Congressional District is calling for answers on the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements for its employees. This move has resulted in the loss of over 8,700 veteran-facing employees, including 2,129 registered nurses, 1,283 medical support assistants, 751 physicians, and 1,294 veteran claim examiners, according to recent workforce statistics. Randall, who represents an area home to over 73,000 veterans and nearly 16,000 active service members, warns that this decision will accelerate departures and deter prospective workers from choosing the VA as an employer.
Key Takeaways:
- The VA has terminated collective bargaining agreements for its employees, resulting in the loss of over 8,700 veteran-facing employees this fiscal year.
- The departures include 2,129 registered nurses, 1,283 medical support assistants, 751 physicians, and 1,294 veteran claim examiners.
- Congresswoman Emily Randall (WA-06) has demanded answers from VA Secretary Douglas Collins on behalf of her constituents.
- The district she represents has over 73,000 veterans and nearly 16,000 active service members.
- Randall has requested detailed data on employee departures and cancelled appointments due to staffing shortages.
- The letter is part of coordinated oversight by House Veterans' Affairs Committee Democrats.
- Secretary Collins must respond to the letter by August 29th.
Statistics:
- Over 8,700 veteran-facing employees have departed from the VA this fiscal year.
- The departures include:
+ 2,129 registered nurses
+ 1,283 medical support assistants
+ 751 physicians
+ 1,294 veteran claim examiners
- The previous administration added 8,700 employees in the same time frame when they were in office.
Sources:
- [https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/08/emily-randall-va-secretary-douglas-collins-letter-00066396](https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/08/emily-randall-va-secretary-douglas-collins-letter-00066396)
- [https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-emily-randall-demands-answers-following-alarming-decision-va](https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-emily-randall-demands-answers-following-alarming-decision-va)
- [https://www.house.gov/content/veterans-affairs-committee](https://www.house.gov/content/veterans-affairs-committee)