The Master Agreement Between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Federation of Government Employees states that “For purposes of Title 38 employees, the policies, procedures, and terminology of this article are to be interpreted in conformance with VA Directive and Handbook 5111.”
While researching the topic I could not locate Handbook 5111 on the VA publication website. After some digging AFGE Local 1061 stewards were able to locate it in the VHA database. I’m sharing the copy of Handbook 5111 that we located below:
We also located the following documents that speak to T38s and reorganizations:
I’m sharing the Master Agreement here and posting the relevant segment below:
ARTICLE 28 – REDUCTION IN FORCE Section 1 – Purpose
The Department and the Union recognize that unit employees may be seriously and adversely affected by a Reduction in Force (RIF), staffing adjustment (Title 38), reorganization, or transfer of function action. The Department recognizes that attrition, reassignment, furlough, hiring freeze, and early retirement are among the alternatives to RIFs that may be available. This article describes the exclusive procedures the Department will take in the event of a RIF, reorganization, or transfer of function as defined in this article. It is also intended to protect the interests of employees while allowing the Department to exercise its rights and duties in carrying out the mission of the Department.
Section 2 – Applicable Laws and Regulations
For purposes of Title 5 employees, the policy, procedures, and terminology described in this article are to be interpreted in conformance with 5 USC 3501-3504, 5 CFR Part 351, 29 CFR 1613.203, and other applicable government-wide laws and regulations. For purposes of Title 38 employees, the policies, procedures, and terminology of this article are to be interpreted in conformance with VA Directive and Handbook 5111. Either party may reopen Directive and Handbook 5111 within one year with proper notice. Any successor to the Directive and Handbook or changes or revisions to this document will be developed through the predecisional involvement of the Union and subject to collective bargaining.