Month: March 2025

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 published in JAMA Internal Medicine on March 28, 2025.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2832227

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.

Update March 29: The article “Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat” was published in JAMA Internal Medicine on March 28, 2025.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2832227

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.

Key Benefits for VA Workers

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!

Join us throughout California as we come together and rally to safeguard the civil service and preserve the rights of workers. 

Stand with your union family as we rally and stand up for our rights! Below are events happening soon throughout the state.

Joining us for an event? Remember to wear your AFGE blue and gold!

*Please attend on your break or on leave*

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Press Conference and Rally in San Diego with AFA-CWA
🗓️ When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 11 am – 12 pm PDT
📍 Where: San Diego Airport Terminal 2 (West of Skybridges), 3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
🔗 RSVP:  Click here to RSVP for the event.
Questions can be directed to Ryan Mims at mimsr@afge.org or 202-341-0470.

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AFGE District 12 Local Press Conference w/ LA Labor Federation AFL-CIO
🗓️ When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 12 pm – 1 pm PDT
📍 Where: Tom Bradley International (Terminal 1 World Way) Terminal 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90045
🔗 RSVP: Click here to RSVP for the event.
Questions can be directed to Ryan Mims at mimsr@afge.org or 202-341-0470.

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Join Us in the Fight for the Rights of Workers in Los Angeles
🗓️ When: Sunday, March 23, 2025
⏰ Time: 10 am – 2 pm PDT
📍 Where: Federal Building, 300 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
🔗 RSVP: Click here to RSVP for the event.
Questions can be directed to Ryan Mims at mimsr@afge.org or 202-341-0470.

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Join Us to Fight for Federal Employees in Mather
🗓️ When: Saturday, March 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 10 am – 1 pm PDT
📍 Where: Meeting Place: Across the street from the VA, 10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655
🔗 RSVP: Click here to RSVP for the event.
Questions can be directed to Maureen Gallagher at maureen1303@gmail.com or 916-761-1303.

Let’s stand together to protect our jobs, our rights, and the future of federal service.

In Solidarity,

AFGE

During this incredibly difficult time for federal workers the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) has launched its Layoff Loan Program.

Even with careful planning, federal employees facing recent layoffs can find themselves in a vulnerable financial position. Unplanned, out-of-pocket expenses can lead to significant hardship, potentially forcing them to rely on high-interest loans, default on debts, or even consider personal bankruptcy.

While FEEA can’t replace lost income on a long-term basis, it can offer eligible federal employees confidential, no-fee, no-interest loans to help temporarily with basic needs. Since 1986, FEEA has provided over 13,000 no-fee, no-interest loans to help feds make ends meet during hardships, and we’re here to support those recently affected by layoffs.

Click here to download and read the Layoff Loan Application Instructions. Applicants should be sure to read the instructions before starting the online application. There are a number of documents you will need to collect and attach to your application. You will not be able to submit your application without attaching the required documents.

We will continue to share resources that may be able to assist federal workers navigate these challenging times.

In Solidarity,

AFGE