Month: September 2025

Judge William Alsup of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) exceeded its authority by instructing agencies to terminate employees based on fabricated performance issues. This lawsuit, filed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and its partner organizations in February, was a response to OPM’s directive that six agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, were to carry out these mass terminations. Although agencies are not obligated to rehire the affected workers, the court mandated that they inform these individuals that their termination was not due to performance or misconduct. Additionally, agencies must rectify the employees’ personnel records to accurately reflect this information. This ruling is a pivotal step towards justice for those who have been unjustly terminated and underscores the significance of due process for federal employees. Your union remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting for you, both on the streets, in the halls of Congress, and in the courts.

On August 29, 2025, the AFGE National VA Council filed a National Grievance against the Department of Veterans Affairs for refusing to recognize our designated union representatives

This grievance comes after the VA unilaterally terminated our collective bargaining agreement following Executive Order 14251, which attempts to strip bargaining rights from the majority of federal employees. The VA has since taken the unprecedented step of denying AFGE leaders access to union offices, resources, and even recognition as representatives—actions that directly violate federal law, the Master Agreement, and decades of precedent.

Across the country, union presidents and representatives have been told they can no longer serve in their roles, even when representing Exempted Employees (police officers, firefighters, and security guards), or when retirees are acting in union service. These actions undermine not only our union’s representational capacity but also your rights as employees to fair representation and collective bargaining.

The grievance demands that the VA:

• Return to the status quo ante (before the unlawful terminations).
• Recognize and fully engage with AFGE representatives as required by law.
• Make-whole any adversely affected employees under the Back Pay Act.
• Comply with the Master Agreement and federal labor law.
• Issue notice of its violations to all bargaining unit employees.

We will continue to fight vigorously to defend your rights and ensure that union representation is not stripped away under unlawful pretenses. The grievance process is ongoing, and we will keep you updated on developments as they unfold.

In the meantime, your solidarity and support are crucial. Please stay engaged, share this information with colleagues, and reach out with any questions. Together, we remain strong.