AFGE Local 1061 extends its sincere thanks to AFGE and the NVAC Legal Team for their outstanding representation and continued defense of VA employees’ rights.

We especially want to recognize the successful representation of a Registered Nurse in a Title 38 Disciplinary Appeals Board (DAB) case, where a suspension was overturned and full relief granted under the Back Pay Act. This outcome reinforces a core union principle: every employee deserves due process, fairness, and a safe, just workplace.

“This case was never just about discipline—it was about fairness, due process, and protecting a nurse’s professional integrity. When employees are denied a fair hearing, the union must stand firm and push back. That’s exactly what happened here.”
— Gary Locken, RN
AFGE Local 1061 Steward

This victory reflects months of persistent advocacy. Steward Gary Locken, RN, worked closely with the NVAC Legal Team over several months to ensure the nurse received a fair hearing and equitable treatment, demonstrating the power of strong local representation supported by national legal expertise.

NVAC Legal Team Statement

“Title 38 DAB Appeal – Suspension Overturned: The VA suspended a Registered Nurse (RN) for allegations of inappropriate conduct and failure to document. The NVAC attorney appealed the major adverse action to a Disciplinary Appeals Board (DAB) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. §§ 7462–7464. At hearing, the deciding official admitted during cross-examination that they relied upon information not contained in the evidence file. The NVAC attorney argued that this conduct violated the RN’s due process rights and required automatic reversal. The DAB agreed and recommended to the Deputy Under Secretary for Health that the suspension be overturned based on the due process violation. The RN received full relief under the Back Pay Act.”

Why this matters

• Reinforces due process protections under Title 38
• Demonstrates the effectiveness of local union advocacy backed by NVAC legal expertise
• Sends a clear message: unjust discipline will be challenged—and overturned

Standing Strong Together

At a time when workplace protections and collective bargaining rights face unprecedented challenges, this win underscores the importance of union solidarity. AFGE and NVAC continue to fight for fairness, accountability, and respect for VA employees—and AFGE Local 1061 is proud to stand with them.

In Solidarity,
AFGE Local 1061

AFGE Local 1061 Update
January 23, 2026

“These policies—including a hiring freeze, illegal mass firings of VA employees, encouraged departures of more than 30,000 staff, and cancellation of thousands of contracts providing critical services and support to veterans—have reversed progress made over multiple Administrations and years of bipartisan work.

At the same time, VA’s communication under Secretary Collins—the least transparent Secretary in recent memory—has become delayed, distorted, and disingenuous. The Department has slow-walked and stonewalled Congressional oversight; retreated from long-held expectations of accountability and disclosure; and politicized the Department to an unprecedented degree.”

— Senator Richard Blumenthal
Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

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BREAKING THE PACT

Impacts of Trump, DOGE, and Secretary Collins’ Ongoing Assault on Veterans

A newly released Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs report provides a detailed, firsthand account of the current state of the Department of Veterans Affairs—told directly through the voices of veterans and VA employees.

The report documents how recent policy decisions are affecting:

• VA staffing and workforce stability
• Employee morale and retention
• Access to care and benefits for veterans and their families

These findings are grounded in testimony from frontline employees, veterans, caregivers, and stakeholders across the VA system.

Why this report matters to AFGE Local 1061 members

• Frontline perspectives: Elevates the voices of VA employees experiencing these changes firsthand
• Workforce impact: Highlights staffing pressures that directly affect working conditions and patient care
• Veteran outcomes: Shows how workforce instability impacts the quality and timeliness of services
• Informed advocacy: Provides credible documentation to support union advocacy and Congressional oversight

Take Action

We encourage all members to read and share this report. Staying informed strengthens our collective voice, supports transparency, and reinforces solidarity between VA workers and the veterans we serve.

👉 Read and share the report here:
https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/A08A4C86-DB56-4A01-B98F-6ED1CF3F2B7A

Dear Local 1061 Sisters, Brothers, and Union Family,

I’m sharing an important video update that I believe is essential for all of us to watch:

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIIwiXnX4j4

This message underscores what’s at stake for federal employees across the country and highlights the strength we have when we stand united. As AFGE members, we know firsthand that our power comes from our solidarity, our advocacy, and our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every federal worker.

I also want to express my full support for President Burke, whose steady leadership, dedication, and courage continue to guide Local 1061 through challenging times. His commitment to fighting for fair treatment, safe workplaces, and the best care for our veterans reflects the values that make this Local strong.

As we move forward, let’s continue to stay informed, stay engaged, and stand together. Our unity is our strength—now more than ever.

In solidarity,
Gary Locken
AFGE Local 1061 Steward

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

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Federal Union Litigation Dashboard (December 2025)

Focus: NVAC, VA Employees & Federal Union Rights

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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10. Workforce Reorganization / RIF-Related Cases

• Issue: Broader federal reshaping of workforce protections
• Impact: May indirectly affect future VA labor rights.

Originally by Everett Kelley, AFGE National President
Shared by AFGE Local 1061 at Greater Los Angeles
October 27, 2025 | The Insider

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As this unnecessary and harmful government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, AFGE Local 1061 at Greater Los Angeles stands firmly with the message from our AFGE National President, Everett Kelley:

It’s past time to end this shutdown — reopen the government, pay every worker, and get America moving again.

We are sharing President Kelley’s words in full so every bargaining unit employee, VA healthcare worker, and federal public servant can understand exactly what’s at stake — and why our collective voice matters now more than ever.

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AFGE National President Everett Kelley: “End This Shutdown Today”

For four long weeks, our nation has endured a completely avoidable government shutdown — one that is hurting working families, veterans, small businesses, and the very institutions that hold our country together. Both political parties have made their points. Still, there’s no clear end in sight.

Let me make mine plain:

It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today.
No half measures. No gamesmanship. Every single federal worker deserves to be back on the job — with full back pay — today.

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The Workers Who Keep America Running

As president of the American Federation of Government Employees, I represent more than 800,000 federal and D.C. government workers who serve with pride and professionalism.

They’re the ones who:

• Keep our skies safe,
• Ensure our veterans receive care,
• Protect our borders, and
• Inspect our food.

They come from every background and every political view. What unites them is a shared belief — that service to country is honorable work.

Today, that belief is being tested.

From an Army nurse in San Antonio, to a TSA officer in Atlanta, to a USDA food inspector in Iowa — hundreds of thousands of federal workers are being asked to keep America running without a paycheck.

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The Human Cost of Political Games

These are patriotic Americans — parents, caregivers, and veterans — now facing impossible choices between rent, groceries, gas, and medicine.
They are being forced to bear the burden of a political fight they did not start.

Shutdowns don’t make our nation stronger. They cost taxpayers billions, shutter small businesses, delay paychecks, and erode confidence in government itself.

And the American people know it. Nine out of ten Americans agree this shutdown is a problem. They don’t care about partisan spin — they care about fairness and stability.

“When the folks who serve this country are standing in line for food banks after missing a second paycheck, they aren’t looking for politics. They’re looking for the wages they earned.”

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A Responsible Path Forward

It’s long past time to put aside partisan politics and embrace responsible government. A strong America requires a functioning government — one that pays its bills, honors its commitments, and respects its workforce.

The path forward for Congress is clear:

1. Reopen the government immediately under a clean continuing resolution that allows continued debate on larger issues.
2. Guarantee back pay for every employee affected by the shutdown.
3. Work together — in a bipartisan way — to tackle bigger challenges like rising costs and a broken appropriations process.

These aren’t partisan demands. They’re common-sense expectations shared by the American people.

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It’s Time to Lead

The national interest demands action. Congress must bring every federal worker back to work, pay them for the jobs they’ve done (or were prevented from doing), and then continue the debates that make democracy strong — without punishing the people who make it run.

Because the truth is simple: The government belongs to all of us.

Let’s open it back up — and keep America moving forward.

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📖 Read the full AFGE National Statement:
It’s Past Time to End This Shutdown (AFGE.org)

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✊ Shared by

AFGE Local 1061 at Greater Los Angeles
Representing VA healthcare professionals and federal employees across Greater Los Angeles who continue serving veterans and communities — even through political uncertainty.

We stand with every AFGE member demanding respect, fair pay, and an end to the shutdown.

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.

Local 1061 and AFGE remain steadfast in our commitment to advocate for and advance both the quality of care our Veterans receive and the working conditions of every VA employee. We are still in the fight, and your continued support is critical to that mission.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve received many questions regarding how to cancel E-Dues. While I hope you will remain a member and continue to support AFGE’s efforts, I want to ensure that members have access to the information they are seeking.

“To request cancellation of your membership, it is best to contact your AFGE Local directly.  Local Presidents and Treasurers can drop membership, where approved, via their MyLocal profile.” for Local 1061 contact info please visit: https://glaunion.com/contact-us-2/

AFGE E-Dues Member FAQ: https://www.afge.org/common-pages/e-dues/e-dues-member-faq/

Direct link to cancel E-Dues: https://joinafge.formstack.com/forms/request_for_termination_of_afge_membership

Our strength comes from solidarity, and I encourage you to stay engaged and united with your fellow members as we face the challenges ahead. Please consider joining at https://join.afge.org/L1061

On Aug 7, at 7:01 PM PST, I received the first official notice that the Department of Veterans Affairs has unilaterally terminated our collective bargaining agreement. The attached “Order to Return to Duty” (issued by VISN 22 leadership) is now the formal directive stripping union representatives of our rights, removing access to union offices, and ending the use of official time.

This action follows Executive Order 14251 and the VA Secretary’s decision to revoke CBAs with AFGE, NAGE, SEIU, NNU, and NFFE—with no regard for the government’s own prior assurances. The administration had testified and pledged that no union rights would be removed until litigation was complete. That promise has now been broken.

Additionally, Secretary Collins’ decision is inconsistent with guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which instructs agencies “not to terminate any CBAs until the conclusion of litigation.” It also runs contrary to recent representations made by the administration in federal court, where they assured the judiciary that union contracts were not being terminated. https://www.afge.org/globalassets/documents/2025-docs/faqs-for-eo14251-exclusions-from-federal-labor-manage.pdf

You can read more about this alarming development in the GovExec article:
🔗 VA Terminates Most of Its Union Contracts

We want to be absolutely clear:
AFGE is still here. We are still your union. We are still fighting.

The decision to dismantle our rights does not eliminate our voice. We are actively pursuing every legal and organizational channel available to challenge this action. But we need your help. If you’re already a member, stay engaged. If you haven’t joined, now is the time.

Our strength is in our solidarity.
Please stay in the fight. Stay in the union.

https://join.afge.org/L1061

In unity and resistance,
Gary Lockem
Union Steward, AFGE Local 1061

Info about TheCivDiv on his YouTube page:

Mission: Educate to give Veterans the power to submit their own claims and/or speak with a VSO intelligently about their claim to ultimately disrupt the market against insane claim consulting companies charging 5x or 6x the increase on future benefits.

About me: My name is Clay Simms and I’m the creator of TheCivDiv. I served in the US Marine Corps for 10 years. 2011 – 2015: Infantry 2015 – 2019: Psychological Operations 2019 – 2021: Reserve PSYOP In 2019 I began my transition after completing a horrendous Transition Readiness Seminar. I used my skill set from PSYOP and IO to land a government contracting position and eventually became Federal employee for the Army.

In 2019 I submitted my first claim with a VSO that I would soon learn did NOT understand the process. That is what started my VA Disability journey to learn the process myself. By helping my friends and reading, a lot of reading, I am now able to share my knowledge and experience with the Veteran community.