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US Department of Veterans Affairs Terminates Collective Bargaining Agreements for Most Employees

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the termination of collective bargaining agreements for the majority of its employees, with the exception of unionized police officers, firefighters, and security guards. This move affects an estimated 80% of the department's 470,000 employees, who are represented by various unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). The decision is seen as a step back for unionized workers, with the AFGE planning to challenge the move, citing concerns about retaliation against members who speak out against administration policies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Department of Veterans Affairs has terminated collective bargaining agreements for 80% of its 470,000 employees, effective immediately.
  • Approximately 4,000 VA police officers, firefighters, or security guards will remain under existing contracts due to an executive order signed by President Trump in March.
  • The affected unions include the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Association of Government Employees, National Federation of Federal Employees, National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United, and Service Employees International Union.
  • The decision follows the VA's stoppage of withholding union dues from most employees' paychecks in April.
  • ASGE has announced plans to challenge the decision, citing concerns about retaliation against union members who speak out against administration policies.
  • VA Secretary Doug Collins views the decision as "good news" for Veterans and their families.
  • Last year, more than 1,900 unionized VA employees spent over 750,000 hours on "taxpayer-funded union time," according to the VA.
  • The Congressional Labor Caucus has condemned the decision, stating that it undermines and jeopardizes the vital services provided to Veterans.

Statistics:

  • 80% of VA employees (approximately 377,600 workers) are represented by a union.
  • 4,000 VA unionized police officers, firefighters, or security guards have existing contracts due to an executive order signed by President Trump in March.
  • 470,000 employees work for the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • 2,355 full-time employees were employed at the Dayton VA Medical Center as of earlier this year.
  • 750,000 hours of work were spent by unionized VA employees on "taxpayer-funded union time" last year.
  • 1,900 unionized VA employees spent over 750,000 hours of work on "taxpayer-funded union time" last year.

Sources:

  • US Department of Veterans Affairs:

+ "U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Announces Termination of Collective Bargaining Agreements" (no date or publication date provided)

  • AFGE:

+ Statement by AFGE National President Everett Kelley (no date or publication date provided)

  • Congressional Labor Caucus:

+ Statement by the Congressional Labor Caucus (no date or publication date provided)

  • USAJOBS:

+ "About 80% of VA's 470,000 employees are represented by a union" (no date or publication date provided)

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