AFGE Local 1061 Update: The Fight for Our Union Contract Continues
October 17, 2026
AFGE is back in court fighting VA’s latest attempt to terminate our Master Collective Bargaining Agreement.
We know many VA employees are concerned about what this means for their workplace rights. Here’s where things stand and what you should know.
What’s happening with our contract?
On October 2, a federal appeals court paused an order that had reinforced protections under our union contract. VA is now using that decision to claim the agreement expired on August 8, 2026.
But there’s an important distinction:
- The appeals court did not rule that our contract expired.
- The court did not overturn the original March 13 injunction.
- The court did not decide whether VA lawfully terminated our agreement.
The ruling dealt with a legal issue involving the lower court’s authority, not whether VA was right to terminate the contract.
What is AFGE doing about it?
On October 16, AFGE’s National VA Council (NVAC) filed a new motion asking the federal judge to clarify that the original injunction continues to protect our contract until a new agreement is negotiated or the injunction is lifted.
NVAC also filed a national grievance challenging VA’s conduct during contract negotiations. The grievance alleges that VA has failed to bargain in good faith, including reversing previously agreed-upon positions and providing misleading information.
In short, AFGE is challenging VA’s actions both in court and at the bargaining table.
What does this mean for you?
Our union contract includes important protections involving scheduling, leave, overtime, disciplinary actions, workplace safety, and representation.
VA’s latest actions create uncertainty about how those protections will be applied while the legal challenges continue.
However, VA employees still have rights under federal law, regardless of the ongoing contract dispute. Those rights do not simply disappear because VA says the contract has ended.
If your supervisor tells you that a workplace protection no longer applies, or if you notice changes to your working conditions, please reach out to AFGE Local 1061. We want to hear what’s happening at your facility.
Stay in the Fight — Support AFGE Through E-Dues
As the fight over our union contract continues, your membership and support matter more than ever.
If you haven’t already, consider switching to AFGE E-Dues, which allows you to pay your union dues electronically rather than through VA payroll deductions.
E-Dues helps keep your membership and financial support independent of VA’s payroll system, allowing AFGE to continue representing employees, challenging unfair workplace practices, and fighting for our collective bargaining rights.
Stay informed. Stay involved. Stay in the fight.
Sign up for AFGE Local 1061 E-Dues here
We’re still here for you.
We understand how frustrating and confusing these developments can be, especially for employees who are simply trying to do their jobs and care for our veterans.
AFGE Local 1061 will continue advocating for employees throughout the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and keeping you informed as the legal fight moves forward.
Our contract may be under attack, but our union is still here—and our strength comes from members standing together.
AFGE Local 1061
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