When attacks on federal employees happen—whether it’s unfair workplace policies, threats to job security, or attempts to weaken your rights—having a union makes all the difference.
✅ Your Rights, Protected – Union contracts safeguard your workplace rights, defended by over 800,000 federal employees in the largest federal-sector union.
✅ Due Process & Fair Hearings – If your job is at risk, AFGE ensures you get a fair hearing and due process, providing experienced representation to protect your career.
✅ Your Voice, Amplified – Have a say in workplace policies, negotiating for job security, telework, and fair treatment.
✅ Your Job, Defended – AFGE members stand together against attacks on the federal workforce—you’re never alone.
✅ Better Working Conditions – Through collective bargaining, we fight for improved policies, safer workplaces, and the benefits you deserve.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—stand together NOW.
In preparation for the unknown, below is a comprehensive list of important documentation and information related to federal employment.
Courtesy of J. O.
Leave and Earning Statements
It is recommended to retain at least three years’ worth of paystubs in the event that Unemployment Insurance is necessary.
Employees may access the last 12 months of paystubs from the My Pay website. If older pay stubs are required, send an e-mail to VISN22HRGreaterLASBU@va.gov.
My Pay allows users to manage pay information, leave and earning statements, and W-2s. This is the login and information screen.
SF50 and other personnel action documents (TSP changes, position changes, annual cost of living changes, promotions, demotions, personnel actions, annual appraisals, etc.)
It is recommended to retain all documents throughout your career from this website. The most relevant documents are your appointment to your most recent position, appointments to your highest grade/step, and any “permanent” or “career” appointments.
SF-50 download from eOPF:
1. Log into the website.
2. Click “My eOPF” tab on the sidebar
3. Click “My eOPF Print Folder” tab at the top
4. Check “Select All”
5. Click one of the two print buttons
6. Click “My eOPF Print Status” at the top
7. Wait for the print request to process. In some cases, the print request will take 24 hours. If the print request fails, another option is to download one file at a time, which only takes a few seconds per file.
8. While waiting, read the instructions describing what the password will be for your document and write the password down
9. When it appears, click “View” in the “Action” box
10. Save as PDF
11. Open PDF in Adobe and enter password
12. Because this form contains your SSN, you will need to send it to yourself as an encrypted e-mail. You may find this under the Options menu in your New E-mail window.
13. Ensure you remove your SSN from each page, as needed.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management EHRI Electronic Official Personnel Folder Application
Service Computation Date
This date tracks how long you have been in the Federal service. If you served in a previous service and retired, your service is not counted in this date.
– I STANDARD FORM 144 (Rev. 10/95) Office of Personnel Management The Guide to Processing Personnel Actions . Statement of Prior Federal Service (PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE COMPLETING THIS FORM)
Veterans Preference for RIF
Review Block 26 on your latest SF50.
This should be marked YES if you served in the military but did not retire.
You may use the Vet Preference checker (link on right) to help determine the correct answer for Block 23, Veterans Preference.
You may use the Vet Preference RIF checker (link on right) to help determine the correct answer for Block 26, Veterans Pref for RIF. (As of 3/4/25, this tool doesn’t seem to be functioning properly, so you may read more about this preferenceat https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/ben_rif.htm)
It is recommended to retain all performance appraisals throughout your career. The most relevant are the last four, as they may be required if a reduction in force is considered.
Log into the website.
Click on Plans > My Plans
For each entry listed, click on the arrow.
In the top right corner, click “View PDF.”
This file does not contain your SSN, so you may send it to yourself via encrypted or non-encrypted e-mail.
All telework applications now go through the HR Smart dashboard. Please read the attached instructions carefully, as our internal instructions have also changed. One big improvement in the new procedures is that you no longer need signatures on documents from anyone other than your supervisor. No more routing for signatures to Joanna/Barry or the Chief of Staff. You also now fill out most of the telework application in an online form instead of a pdf and only fill out a pdf regarding workstation safety (see attached guide for the workstation checklist form). The various TMS courses and supervisor’s TMS course are still required.
Now, more than ever, it is essential that we as a movement look back on the leaders who have brought us to where we are today as we prepare for the fight ahead. The inspiring stories of yesterday will empower us for the challenges of tomorrow.
Understanding this, AFGE HISCO will be dedicating time to remembering the exceptional life story of American labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Chavez is an undeniably powerful role model for activists across the labor movement today, and AFGE HISCO wants to make sure we continue to tell his story.
With the help of WFP, AFGE HISCO will give an informative presentation on the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez, the impacts of his work today, and how we can remember him going forward in the fight for civil and workers’ rights. Today, Chavez would have turned 98 years old.
Don’t forget to register for this important presentation: Remembering the Life of Cesar Chavez
Monday, March 31, 2025, from 7-8:30pm ET (TONIGHT) Register here
We look forward to seeing you at our event this evening!In Solidarity,AFGE HISCO Executive Board
The article “Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat” was written by:
Stephan D. Fihn, MD, MPH
David Atkins, MD, MPH
Timothy O’Leary, MD, PhD
Kenneth W. Kizer, MD, MPH, DCM
All authors are former employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The article “Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat” highlights the risk of severe funding cuts and personnel decisions impacting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intramural research program. While national attention has focused on cuts to the NIH and NSF, the VA’s research—critical to veterans’ health—faces potential devastation. The VA research program, which has historically driven major medical advancements and trained top physicians, supports 7,000 active projects, including studies on PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and suicide prevention.
The program’s funding accounts for just 0.3% of the VA’s budget but has led to innovations like the cardiac pacemaker and nicotine patch. Arbitrary personnel freezes and dismissals are disrupting ongoing clinical trials, including those for cancer treatments and drug overdose prevention. The loss of experienced VA researchers threatens the quality of veteran care and scientific progress.
The article calls for urgent action from the medical and scientific community to protect VA research and prevent long-term damage to veterans’ healthcare and medical innovation.
As dedicated professionals serving our veterans at GLA, we recognize the critical importance of maintaining high-quality patient care. The VA’s Return to Office (RTO) initiative presents unique challenges for clinical roles, particularly where remote or hybrid work has demonstrably improved access to care, reduced wait times, and supported provider well-being.
The American Psychological Association and American Psychiatric Association (APA) has taken an active stance in urging VA Secretary Collins to exempt clinical positions from the RTO mandate where clinically indicated. We have an opportunity to strengthen this effort by encouraging our respective professional organizations to join in advocating for this exemption.
I urge you to reach out to your national and state professional associations whether it be the AMA, ANA, NASW, AOTA, APTA, or other organizations to ask them to support the APA’s position. A collective voice will reinforce the need for evidence-based policies that prioritize Veteran care and provider sustainability.
Together, we can ensure that policies are shaped with clinical best practices in mind.
Thank you for your time and advocacy for promote the best possible care for our Veterans.
The article “Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat” was written by:
Stephan D. Fihn, MD, MPH
David Atkins, MD, MPH
Timothy O’Leary, MD, PhD
Kenneth W. Kizer, MD, MPH, DCM
All authors are former employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The article “Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat” highlights the risk of severe funding cuts and personnel decisions impacting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intramural research program. While national attention has focused on cuts to the NIH and NSF, the VA’s research—critical to veterans’ health—faces potential devastation. The VA research program, which has historically driven major medical advancements and trained top physicians, supports 7,000 active projects, including studies on PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and suicide prevention.
The program’s funding accounts for just 0.3% of the VA’s budget but has led to innovations like the cardiac pacemaker and nicotine patch. Arbitrary personnel freezes and dismissals are disrupting ongoing clinical trials, including those for cancer treatments and drug overdose prevention. The loss of experienced VA researchers threatens the quality of veteran care and scientific progress.
The article calls for urgent action from the medical and scientific community to protect VA research and prevent long-term damage to veterans’ healthcare and medical innovation.
It is deeply disappointing to share that President Trump has canceled collective bargaining at Veterans Affairs and many other locations. This decision significantly impacts labor rights, and legal challenges are likely to follow. I’ll post the Executive Order, fact sheet and OPM guidance below.
This morning, I shared the following message with my coworkers, which I want to pass along to you as well:
“My advice aligns with Mr. Merchant’s recent town hall recommendations. Wait for VA leadership to provide guidance and interpretation before taking any action. I wanted to share this news with SAM/SLO first, but apart from sharing the links, I have no further advice. As always, I’m proud to have represented you as you deliver world-class care to our Central Coast Veterans. Santa Maria/SLO has consistently demonstrated the most dedication and expertise among the VA workers I’ve had the privilege of working with throughout my 26-year career.”
I’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available
As dedicated professionals serving our veterans at GLA, we recognize the critical importance of maintaining high-quality patient care. The VA’s Return to Office (RTO) initiative presents unique challenges for clinical roles, particularly where remote or hybrid work has demonstrably improved access to care, reduced wait times, and supported provider well-being.
The American Psychological Association and American Psychiatric Association (APA) has taken an active stance in urging VA Secretary Collins to exempt clinical positions from the RTO mandate where clinically indicated. We have an opportunity to strengthen this effort by encouraging our respective professional organizations to join in advocating for this exemption.
I urge you to reach out to your national and state professional associations whether it be the AMA, ANA, NASW, AOTA, APTA, or other organizations to ask them to support the APA’s position. A collective voice will reinforce the need for evidence-based policies that prioritize Veteran care and provider sustainability.
Together, we can ensure that policies are shaped with clinical best practices in mind.
Thank you for your time and advocacy for promote the best possible care for our Veterans.
This national grievance filed by the AFGE National VA Council (NVAC) challenges the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for unlawfully requiring VA employees to respond to weekly emails titled “What did you do last week?” without proper compensation or bargaining with the union.
Protects Employee Rights – The grievance ensures that the VA cannot bypass the union and unilaterally impose new work-related reporting requirements without negotiating with employee representatives.
Prevents Unpaid Work – Many employees were required to respond to OPM emails outside of duty hours, while on leave, or during their scheduled days off. This grievance seeks to stop the practice and secure back pay for affected workers.
Secures Fair Compensation – The grievance demands overtime pay and liquidated damages for employees forced to work beyond their normal hours without proper compensation, as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and federal labor laws.
Eliminates Confusion & Stress – The grievance highlights how unclear directives led to workplace chaos, with employees and supervisors receiving conflicting instructions. By challenging this mandate, the union aims to prevent unnecessary stress and ensure clear, lawful communication.
Restores Workplace Protections – The grievance calls for rescinding the mandate, stopping direct emails to employees, and restoring previous working conditions. It also demands that any disciplinary actions taken against employees for non-compliance be reversed.
Upholds VA Employees’ Bargaining Rights – By forcing the VA to negotiate changes to work conditions through the union, this grievance strengthens collective bargaining rights and ensures future decisions respect federal labor laws.
Please take the time to watch AFGE Local 17’s latest podcast, titled “Understanding Reductions in Force (RIFs),” with Attorney Peter Broida. During these challenging times, Local 17 has consistently provided valuable insights through its podcast series. Thanks Local 17!
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