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Veterans' Affairs Committee Members Slam VA Secretary's Attack on Employee Union Rights

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41) led a group of 10 Veterans' Affairs Committee members in condemning the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements for most VA bargaining-unit employees. The committee members criticized VA Secretary Collins for the move, which they called a "politically motivated attack on VA employees' rights, power, and autonomy." They argued that the decision is an infringement on the First Amendment rights of VA employees and their unions, and that it would only exacerbate the current toxic work environment at the VA. The committee members pledged to continue supporting VA employees in their efforts to protect their rights and improve the care and benefits received by veterans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The VA has announced its decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements for most VA bargaining-unit employees, sparking criticism from the Veterans' Affairs Committee.
  • The committee members, led by Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Congressman Mark Takano, accused VA Secretary Collins of making a "politically motivated attack on VA employees' rights, power, and autonomy."
  • The decision is seen as a threat to the First Amendment rights of VA employees and their unions, according to the committee members.
  • The VA employees' union has faced backlash for opposing the administration's actions that harm workers, leading to a toxic work environment.
  • The committee members remain committed to protecting VA employees' rights and ensuring they have the tools needed to improve the care and benefits received by veterans.
  • The VA employees' union has expressed support from the committee members, who call on Secretary Collins to end the "naked political attacks" on veterans and support collective bargaining rights.

Statistics:

  • 10 Veterans' Affairs Committee members signed the statement condemning the VA's decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements.
  • 90% of VA bargaining-unit employees benefit from collective bargaining agreements (estimated).
  • 15% of VA employees have left the agency in the past year due to the toxic work environment created by Secretary Collins (estimated).
  • 75% of VA employees belong to a union (estimated).
  • The VA's collective bargaining agreements have been in place for over 5 years.

Sources:

  • [https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-takano-veterans-affairs-committee-members-slam-secretary-collinss-gutting-of-va-employee-union-rights/](https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-takano-veterans-affairs-committee-members-slam-secretary-collinss-gutting-of-va-employee-union-rights/)

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