AFGE Local 1061

Protecting Patient Confidentiality: Why GLA Mental Health Workers Should Be Exempt from RTO

Please review “New Policies Affecting Patient Confidentiality and Privacy in Mental Health Care” at the following link:

https://updates.apaservices.org/new-policies-affecting-patient-confidentiality-and-privacy-in-mental-health-care

The recent return-to-office (RTO) mandate for VA mental health professionals, including those at the Greater Los Angeles (GLA) VA, raises serious concerns about patient confidentiality and the quality of care for veterans. Many VA facilities do not have sufficient private spaces for mental health providers, forcing clinicians to conduct sensitive therapy sessions in shared or open environments. This directly conflicts with ethical guidelines from the American Psychological Association (APA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements, both of which mandate the protection of patient confidentiality.

The APA has already voiced concerns about the impact of RTO mandates on patient privacy. Without secure and private spaces, veterans may feel uncomfortable seeking or continuing mental health care, which could negatively affect their well-being. Additionally, conducting therapy in non-confidential environments increases the risk of HIPAA violations if sensitive patient information is overheard or exposed.

To uphold ethical standards, ensure compliance with privacy laws, and provide high-quality care for veterans, GLA mental health workers should be exempt from the RTO requirement. Remote work allows providers to maintain confidentiality, foster trust with patients, and continue delivering effective mental health support without unnecessary disruptions.

As a federal employee, it’s crucial to be aware of your rights regarding reasonable accommodation.

Hello everyone, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Local 17 for their incredible dedication and hard work. This video is a direct result of their efforts, and it stands as a testament to their commitment to making a difference. Their support, solidarity, and determination continue to inspire and uplift our community. Thank you, Local 17, for all that you do!

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Here are 7 fast facts about collective bargaining in the federal government

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When attacks on federal employees happen—whether it’s unfair workplace policies, threats to job security, or attempts to weaken your rights—having a union makes all the difference.

✅ Your Rights, Protected – Union contracts safeguard your workplace rights, defended by over 800,000 federal employees in the largest federal-sector union.

✅ Due Process & Fair Hearings – If your job is at risk, AFGE ensures you get a fair hearing and due process, providing experienced representation to protect your career.

✅ Your Voice, Amplified – Have a say in workplace policies, negotiating for job security, telework, and fair treatment.

✅ Your Job, Defended – AFGE members stand together against attacks on the federal workforce—you’re never alone.

✅ Better Working Conditions – Through collective bargaining, we fight for improved policies, safer workplaces, and the benefits you deserve.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—stand together NOW.

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#AFGE #Local1061 #UnionStrong #ProtectYourRights #EDues #FederalEmployees

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Happening TONIGHT: Learn the Legacy of Cesar Chavez with AFGE HISCO

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. Today, 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 (TONIGHT)
Register here

We look forward to seeing you at our event this evening!In Solidarity,AFGE HISCO Executive Board

Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat

The article “Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat” was published in JAMA Internal Medicine on March 28, 2025.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2832227

The article “Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat” was written by:

Stephan D. Fihn, MD, MPH
David Atkins, MD, MPH
Timothy O’Leary, MD, PhD
Kenneth W. Kizer, MD, MPH, DCM

All authors are former employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The article “Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat” highlights the risk of severe funding cuts and personnel decisions impacting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intramural research program. While national attention has focused on cuts to the NIH and NSF, the VA’s research—critical to veterans’ health—faces potential devastation. The VA research program, which has historically driven major medical advancements and trained top physicians, supports 7,000 active projects, including studies on PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and suicide prevention.

The program’s funding accounts for just 0.3% of the VA’s budget but has led to innovations like the cardiac pacemaker and nicotine patch. Arbitrary personnel freezes and dismissals are disrupting ongoing clinical trials, including those for cancer treatments and drug overdose prevention. The loss of experienced VA researchers threatens the quality of veteran care and scientific progress.

The article calls for urgent action from the medical and scientific community to protect VA research and prevent long-term damage to veterans’ healthcare and medical innovation.

Advocate for Clinical Exemptions from Return-to-Office Mandate #2

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.

APA-Letter-Psychiatry-Psychology-VA-Mental-Health-03242025 Download

Update March 29: The article “Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat” was published in JAMA Internal Medicine on March 28, 2025.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2832227

The article “Veterans Affairs Research Under Threat” was written by:

Stephan D. Fihn, MD, MPH
David Atkins, MD, MPH
Timothy O’Leary, MD, PhD
Kenneth W. Kizer, MD, MPH, DCM

All authors are former employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The article calls for urgent action from the medical and scientific community to protect VA research and prevent long-term damage to veterans’ healthcare and medical innovation.

Important Update on Collective Bargaining at the VA

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

OPM Guidance Memo on Exclusions from Labor Management Programs 3-27-2025 Download

Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs – The White House Download

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Exempts Agencies with National Security Missions from Federal Collective Bargaining Requirements – The White House Download

Advocate for Clinical Exemptions from Return-to-Office Mandate

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.

APA-Letter-Psychiatry-Psychology-VA-Mental-Health-03242025 Download

“What did you do last week?” National Grievance filled

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.

NG-3-25-25 _OPM Five Bulletpoints Email_Download

Key Benefits for VA Workers

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.