For Greater Los Angeles GLA – WLA, Sepulveda with Northern Clinics and Downtown
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.
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
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
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.
✅ 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.
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:
Together, we stand strong in our commitment to VA workers and the Veterans they serve.
The Master Agreement Between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Federation of Government Employees states that “For purposes of Title 38 employees, the policies, procedures, and terminology of this article are to be interpreted in conformance with VA Directive and Handbook 5111.”
While researching the topic I could not locate Handbook 5111 on the VA publication website. After some digging AFGE Local 1061 stewards were able to locate it in the VHA database. I’m sharing the copy of Handbook 5111 that we located below:
We also located the following documents that speak to T38s and reorganizations:
I’m sharing the Master Agreement here and posting the relevant segment below:
ARTICLE 28 – REDUCTION IN FORCE Section 1 – Purpose
The Department and the Union recognize that unit employees may be seriously and adversely affected by a Reduction in Force (RIF), staffing adjustment (Title 38), reorganization, or transfer of function action. The Department recognizes that attrition, reassignment, furlough, hiring freeze, and early retirement are among the alternatives to RIFs that may be available. This article describes the exclusive procedures the Department will take in the event of a RIF, reorganization, or transfer of function as defined in this article. It is also intended to protect the interests of employees while allowing the Department to exercise its rights and duties in carrying out the mission of the Department.
Section 2 – Applicable Laws and Regulations
For purposes of Title 5 employees, the policy, procedures, and terminology described in this article are to be interpreted in conformance with 5 USC 3501-3504, 5 CFR Part 351, 29 CFR 1613.203, and other applicable government-wide laws and regulations. For purposes of Title 38 employees, the policies, procedures, and terminology of this article are to be interpreted in conformance with VA Directive and Handbook 5111. Either party may reopen Directive and Handbook 5111 within one year with proper notice. Any successor to the Directive and Handbook or changes or revisions to this document will be developed through the predecisional involvement of the Union and subject to collective bargaining.
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