Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope you are all doing well. I want to take a moment to share important information about ongoing federal union litigation that directly affects us as VA healthcare workers. Across the country, AFGE, NVAC, and our sister councils are fighting back against attempts to strip away collective bargaining rights, terminate union contracts, and weaken the voice of frontline employees.
Right now, multiple major lawsuits are underway — including the NVAC national case challenging the VA’s termination of our Master Collective Bargaining Agreement. The outcomes of these cases will help determine whether agencies can silence workers, bypass bargaining, or unilaterally change workplace protections.
But one thing is absolutely clear: we are not powerless, and we are not alone.
Every day, VA nurses, doctors, social workers, technicians, and staff across the nation stand together in solidarity. We show through our work that quality veteran care and strong union representation go hand in hand.
Our strength has always come from unity — supporting each other, documenting issues, defending our rights, and advocating for the safest and best care for our veterans. Now more than ever, we must stay informed, stay connected, and stay engaged.
We continue caring for veterans with compassion and dedication.
Our union ensures we have the ability to speak up for safe staffing, fair policies, and the working conditions necessary to provide that high-quality care. That mission does not change.
Let’s stand strong, stay unified, and keep fighting — together — for our rights and for the veterans we proudly serve.
In solidarity,
Gary Locken
Union Steward, AFGE Local 1061
Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System
Federal Union Litigation Dashboard (December 2025)
Focus: NVAC, VA Employees & Federal Union Rights
1. NVAC v. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Court: U.S. District Court (District of Rhode Island)
- Filed: Nov 4, 2025
- Issue: VA’s termination of the Master CBA
- Status: Amended complaint filed; injunction pending
- Impact: Could restore the national VA union contract if NVAC wins.
2. DoD/EPA/USDA/VA et al. v. AFGE (Fifth Circuit Appeal)
- Issue: Agencies attempted to pre-approve the cancellation of CBAs under Exec. Order 14251
- Status: Appeal voluntarily dismissed by the government on Dec 2, 2025
- Impact: Blocks agencies from using courts to justify pre-emptive contract cancellations.
3. AFGE Council of Prison Locals v. Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Court: District of Connecticut
- Filed: Nov 2025
- Issue: BOP’s termination of union contract
- Impact: A win here strengthens NVAC’s position on similar issues.
4. AFGE / NFFE / NTEU v. OPM & Federal Agencies (Exec. Order 14251 Challenge)
- Issue: Legality of “national security” exemptions removing employees from labor protections
- Status: Active; injunction motions filed
- Impact: Could overturn the basis used for CBA terminations.
5. NVAC Grievances (Internal VA Filings)
- Filed: Four grievances Aug–Oct 2025
- Issue: Improper termination of MCBA
- Impact: Builds the factual record for future arbitration or court action.
6. Agency-Wide Union-Rights Restoration Lawsuits
- Agencies: DHS, HUD, SSA, USDA, EPA
- Status: Varied; many active
- Impact: Federal precedents here may apply to VA.
7. FLRA Review Actions
- Issue: VA & other agencies attempting to reclassify or remove bargaining units
- Status: Active challenges
- Impact: Critical for protecting bargaining-unit status.
8. AFGE Council-Specific Lawsuits (EPA 238, HUD 222, etc.)
- Issue: Agencies refusing to bargain or voiding contract articles
- Impact: Strengthens union position government-wide.
9. VA Bargaining-Unit Status Disputes
- Venue: FLRA
- Issue: VA attempts to move employees to “non-bargaining”
- Impact: Determines long-term bargaining rights at VA.
10. Workforce Reorganization / RIF-Related Cases
- Issue: Broader federal reshaping of workforce protections
- Impact: May indirectly affect future VA labor rights.
