Category: Uncategorized

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

When we fight, we win!

In a major development in the legal fight to get fired probationary federal employees their jobs back, a judge rules workers were illegally fired by the Trump administration. 

Today, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, presided over by Judge William H. Alsup, granted a Preliminary Injunction broadening a temporary restraining order against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its Acting Director, Charles Ezell, finding the termination of probationary federal employees illegal because OPM had no authority to order it. 

The judge ordered immediate reinstatement of terminated probationary employees of the Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior, Energy, Defense, and Treasury departments, and these agencies must cease termination of probationary employees, effective immediately.

The judge also forbade OPM from giving any guidance to federal agencies on which employees should be terminated. The agencies also must provide a compliance report to the court. The judge also authorized depositions and ordered further briefing on whether the administrative channel for fired workers is actually available, or if it has been destroyed by firings of appeals board and office of special counsel personnel.

AFGE joined with more than a dozen other unions and advocacy groups to bring this legal challenge against the Trump administration in defense of unjustly, illegally fired probationary federal workers. This latest decision is a important development in our fight back against the attacks on dedicated civil servants.

In our press statement following the decision, AFGE National President Everett Kelley said, “AFGE is pleased with Judge Alsup’s order to immediately reinstate tens of thousands of probationary federal employees who were illegally fired from their jobs by an administration hellbent on crippling federal agencies and their work on behalf of the American public. We are grateful for these employees and the critical work they do, and AFGE will keep fighting until all federal employees who were unjustly and illegally fired are given their jobs back.”

Click here to read our full statement and stay connected with our latest actions at afge.org/AFGEStrong. 

Let’s continue to keep the pressure on in the streets and in the courts as we continue our fight for federal workers and the services we rely on.

In Solidarity,

AFGE

AFGE salutes the dedicated healthcare professionals at the Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care System (GLA). Every day, you provide life-changing care to our nation’s veterans, ensuring they receive the best medical treatment and support possible. AFGE stands with you, fighting for the pay, benefits, and workplace rights you deserve so you can continue serving those who served our country.

What Has AFGE Done for VA Healthcare Workers Like You?

✅ Secured More Resources – Helped obtain billions in funding for additional staff and facility improvements, ensuring you have the resources to provide top-tier care to Veterans.

✅ Advocated for Collective Bargaining Rights – Pushed Congress to close loopholes that limit collective bargaining rights for VA nurses, doctors, dentists, physician assistants, and other frontline healthcare workers.

✅ Protected Workplace Rights – Continues to fight to restore and expand collective bargaining rights for VA employees, ensuring fair working conditions and representation.

✅ Negotiated Better Working Conditions – Secured a national collective bargaining agreement that enhances workplace protections, improves staffing levels, and strengthens AFGE’s partnership with the VA.

Why It Matters for GLA Healthcare Workers

At GLA, you serve one of the largest Veteran populations in the country. AFGE is committed to making sure you have the tools, staffing, and support necessary to provide world-class healthcare without unnecessary administrative burdens or unfair labor practices. Together, we fight for the respect and recognition you deserve.

Join AFGE in protecting your rights and strengthening VA healthcare for Veterans and workers alike!

Protecting VA Workers & Veterans’ Health Care

The NVAC AFGE is committed to safeguarding the rights of VA employees and ensuring the highest quality of care for our nation’s Veterans. Our efforts include:

• Defending Workplace Protections: Advocating for fair labor practices, competitive wages, and safe working conditions to retain skilled professionals in the VA system.
• Fighting for Adequate Staffing: Pushing for policies that address chronic understaffing and workload concerns, ensuring Veterans receive timely and effective care.
• Preserving VA Services: Opposing efforts to privatize the VA and fighting for full funding to maintain and improve in-house veteran care.
• Protecting Employee Rights: Negotiating fair contracts and holding leadership accountable to uphold workers’ rights, ensuring VA employees can continue their mission without fear of retaliation.

Together, we stand strong in our commitment to VA workers and the Veterans they serve.