It is deeply disappointing to share that President Trump has canceled collective bargaining at Veterans Affairs and many other locations. This decision significantly impacts labor rights, and legal challenges are likely to follow. I’ll post the Executive Order, fact sheet and OPM guidance below. Legal action is expected and this will likely be tied up in the courts for some time.
This morning, I shared the following message with my coworkers, which I want to pass along to you as well:
“My advice aligns with Mr. Merchant’s recent town hall recommendations. Wait for VA leadership to provide guidance and interpretation before taking any action. I wanted to share this news with SAM/SLO first, but apart from sharing the links, I have no further advice. As always, I’m proud to have represented you as you deliver world-class care to our Central Coast Veterans. Santa Maria/SLO has consistently demonstrated the most dedication and expertise among the VA workers I’ve had the privilege of working with throughout my 26-year career.”
I’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available
As dedicated professionals serving our veterans at GLA, we recognize the critical importance of maintaining high-quality patient care. The VA’s Return to Office (RTO) initiative presents unique challenges for clinical roles, particularly where remote or hybrid work has demonstrably improved access to care, reduced wait times, and supported provider well-being.
The American Psychological Association and American Psychiatric Association (APA) has taken an active stance in urging VA Secretary Collins to exempt clinical positions from the RTO mandate where clinically indicated. We have an opportunity to strengthen this effort by encouraging our respective professional organizations to join in advocating for this exemption.
I urge you to reach out to your national and state professional associations whether it be the AMA, ANA, NASW, AOTA, APTA, or other organizations to ask them to support the APA’s position. A collective voice will reinforce the need for evidence-based policies that prioritize Veteran care and provider sustainability.
Together, we can ensure that policies are shaped with clinical best practices in mind.
Thank you for your time and advocacy for promote the best possible care for our Veterans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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*
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Now, more than ever, it is essential that we as a movement look back on the leaders who have brought us to where we are today as we prepare for the fight ahead. The inspiring stories of yesterday will empower us for the challenges of tomorrow.
Understanding this, AFGE HISCO will be dedicating time to remembering the exceptional life story of American labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Chavez is an undeniably powerful role model for activists across the labor movement today, and AFGE HISCO wants to make sure we continue to tell his story.
With the help of WFP, AFGE HISCO will give an informative presentation on the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez, the impacts of his work today, and how we can remember him going forward in the fight for civil and workers’ rights. This year, on March 31, the day of our event, Chavez would have turned 98 years old.
Don’t forget to register for this important presentation:
Remembering the Life of Cesar Chavez
Monday, March 31, 2025, from 7-8:30pm ET Register here
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 judgeordered 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.”
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