Yvonne Evans is a registered nurse at John Dingell VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Detroit, Michigan. AFGE is celebrating the House of Representatives bi-partisan passage of the VA Employee Fairness Act of 2021. April 7 to include comment from VA management. government workers nationwide and overseas. Elston received full support from her. Government Standard: May/June 2023. For several years, Dr. Despite the retaliatory behavior by managers, Germaine knew she had to speak up when she discovered that managers at her hospital were keeping secret wait lists and delaying veterans appointment. Williams, Jr. A year ago, at the direction of the Trump White House, the Department of Veterans Affairs told AFGE locals to either pay rent for. The picket was to spotlight the issue. In October 2017 – months before President Trump. AFGE is seeking a moratorium on outsourcing within the VA and would like the VA to work with veterans’ service groups to connect unemployed veterans with job openings at VA. Veterans Affairs Council (AFGE) appreciate the opportunity to provide our views on today’s hearing on pending legislation. Get help planning a burial in a VA national cemetery, order a headstone or other memorial item to honor a Veteran's service, and apply for survivor and dependent benefits. The VA subsequently agreed to roll over the current contract with changes to Article 23 only. According to AFGE’s internal survey, 3 out of every 4 VA staff have directly experienced racism at work and 65% of VA staff believe racism makes their job harder. A group of five federal workers and the nation’s largest federal employee union last week filed a class action lawsuit against the Trump administration. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (collectively, the Parties) hereby agree to settle all disputes arising out of AFGE’s National Grievance The Department of Veterans Affairs and the largest federal employee union have finalized a new labor agreement, putting an end to more than six years of stalled contract. AFGE members also receive support on and off the job, exclusive benefits, and a voice in our legislative process. In a. Negotiating with VA management on the ground rules was difficult to say the least, with the chairman of the Federal. VA/AFGE Master Agreement Training: General Employee Rights 25 Article 17, Section 16 Counseling 9. Involves a matter or question concerning or arising out of professional. AFGE B. The Veterans Crisis Line, which helps veterans with mental health issues, has been doing remote work since July 2022, and the program has a five-year remote work plan. §714 (Section 714). VA and the American Federation of Government Employees leaders signed a master collective bargaining agreement Tuesday, updating the terms of their labor contract for the first time in more than a decade. S. If. The AFGE National Veterans Affairs Council (NVAC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are back in Washington, D. C. AFGE represents more than. In October 2017 – months before President Trump issued an executive order evicting unions from federal facilities – Local 2779 moved itself out of the Veterans Affairs hospital in Gainesville. In June 2021, NVAC and the VA reached a settlement resulting in the VA’s agreement to cease and desist its practice of unilateral. Veterans. . Health care workers continued to face a mental health crisis as they reported more days of poor mental health in 2022 than in 2018. Veterans Affairs have created a substantial concern among employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). • Hearing a Veteran’s name being called out for an appointment or when the Veteran is being transported/escorted to and from an appointment. Immediately after the release of the VA’s recommendations, AFGE established the Save My VA website, where members can find resources to take action against the closures. Lastly, the VA will rescind. AFGE Members at Cincinnati VA Hospital Picket for Better Treatment of Workers November 27, 2023 Holding signs that read “Dignity, Fairness, Respect”, a group of workers Nov. J. Official Time: Provides union officials with representational time during which they can defend VA. Article 2 Definitions Section 1: The following words and terms have the meanings given to them for the purposes of this Agreement:January 25, 2021. AFGE National Vice President for District 6 Arnold Scott was also at the rally and said the VA needs to treat employees equally. AFGE | AFGE Lays out 5 Challenges Facing New VA Secretary, Stands Ready to Be a True Labor PartnerAFGE Members at Cincinnati VA Hospital Picket for Better Treatment of Workers November 27, 2023 Holding signs that read “Dignity, Fairness, Respect”, a group of workers Nov. Now the administration is rolling out some major anti-worker changes to personnel policies as part of its public service deconstruction plan. Columnist. After over five years of unwavering dedication, members of the AFGE National VA Council have ratified the 2023 Master Agreement with the VA. C. AFGE Members at Cincinnati VA Hospital Picket for Better Treatment of Workers The Activist. Rep. A. AFGE National Vice President for District 6 Arnold Scott was also at the rally and said the VA needs to treat employees equally. Unions. We routinely hear from our members who wish to make disclosures about problemsA Strong Voice for America's Veterans. Holding signs that read “Dignity, Fairness, Respect”, a group of workers Nov. OSC Validates AFGE’s Complaint of Asbestos Contamination at FCI Dublin in Report to White House, Congress AFGE District 10 Wins Top Organizing Award AFGE Members at Cincinnati VA Hospital Picket for Better Treatment of Workers The Activist: Marie Owens Powell, Environmental Protection AgencyJuly 11, 2022. Coronavirus. AFGE Local 342 President. As the Ross Award required, the Settlement Agreement ensures that VA will provide make-whole relief and reinstatement, if applicable, to AFGE BUEs who were wrongfully disciplined under Section 714 without first receiving a PIP between Jun 23, 2017 and July 5, 2022. The AFGE Veterans program. The department said it expects the total cost of the settlement agreement with AFGE to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. ”. March 13, 2023. Perspective by Joe Davidson. Coronavirus. is an acronym that stands for “Black Leaders Advancing Change and Knowledge. reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses for costs incurred for office space, storage space, equipment, and technology because of EO 13837. Dingell VA Hospital is “ deeply disturbing ,” and that she is committed to making sure that all our veterans consistently receive a high quality of care. orgVA’s recent certification on whistleblower protection. the Department will not oppose any AFGE petition to represent employees who are assigned to that CBOC . Staffing shortages are making it harder on the American people who use these services and the employees who have to shoulder overwhelming workloads. Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA) in South Carolina – has been abruptly reassigned from his post amid allegations of. agencies in Europe who currently lack a collective voice at work. Article 47. The job of the AFGE Steward is one of the most exciting and challenging jobs you can have. Government Publishing Office] VA WHISTLEBLOWERS: EXPOSING INADEQUATE SERVICE PROVIDED TO VETERANS AND ENSURING APPROPRIATE ACCOUNTABILWith the support of our members and AFGE VA Locals, NVAC has been fighting hard to protect the rights of VA employees and the dedicated union officials who represent them. December 19, 2022. VA more than $3 million, BOP more than $200 million, Immigration and. March 13, 2023. The 88-year-old Congressman, the longest serving Republican, was first elected in 1973, and throughout his career was one of the AFGE’s most ardent supporters. m. In response to the vote, and the future of the VA, American Federation of. In a recent decision by an independent arbitrator, the Department of Veterans Affairs was found to be in violation of the existing Master Agreement between the VA and the. §714 (Section 714). , commonly known as the FederalSearch AFGE. provided in Article 22 or can use USA Staffing. Washington, DC – The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), and the. AFGE and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have reached a settlement in which nearly 5,000 VA employees were wrongfully disciplined and terminated under the controversial firing law enacted in June 2017. AFGE is denouncing a proposal from President Trump’s Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie that would strip 250,000 employees in the Department of Veterans Affairs of many of the rights and protections they’ve won through collective bargaining. that the alleged mismanagement at Detroit ’s John D. April 7, 2023 at 6:00 a. Despite demands from the AFGE National VA Council (NVAC) that VA bargain over Section 714, VA refused to do so and unilaterally implemented its new disciplinary authority. Explore VA life insurance options for Veterans, service members, and families. American Federation of Government Employees National President J. C. 2 U. Congratulations to two more AFGE members who won election on Nov. reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses for costs incurred for office space, storage space, equipment, and technology because of EO 13837. R. g. The VA must cease and desist in continuing its outsourcing studies to contract out laundry services," said AFGE National President Bobby L. July 26, 2021. LOG IN LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNTThe center has been accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) since April 28, 1987. 21 stood in the rain in front of the Cincinnati VA hospital calling for better working conditions and fair treatment of the VA staff. House of Representatives passed S. AFGE is a democratic organization in which the members of each Local decide the Local's dues structure. The signing ceremony took place on Aug. Other employees deemed essential, excepted, or retained by their agencies will be required to work during the shutdown but won’t get paid either until the shutdown ends. “Feedback from civil servants and. (CONTINUED) Dingell, after hearing about the mismanagement issues, joined. At a congressional hearing on May 1, we learned that understaffing may have more serious consequences when it comes to the Department of Homeland Security. senate committee on veterans’ affairs hearing on “the va workforce: assessing ways to bolster recruitment and retention” may 3, 2022 american federation of government employees, afl-cio 80 f street, n. AFGE local presidents across. In response to the vote, and the future of the VA, American Federation of. ordered, the vendor normally used has gone out of business, or there are unexpected. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union representing 700,000 federal and D. Explore VA life insurance options for Veterans, service members, and families. October 16, 2023. They recommend closing 160+ VA medical centers, 1,000+ VA community health clinics, and forcing the VA’s 6. Employees at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals have been staging a protest to demand that the 49,000 vacancies be filled. Note: You must use your personal email address to fill out this petition. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Federation of Government Employees (2011) dated March 15, 2011 ("2011 Agreement") and national Memoranda of Understanding. The VA is a world-class institution that consistently outperforms private hospitals. “You can’t treat one group of employees one way. AFGE is recognized as the sole and exclusive representative for all of those previously certified nonprofessional and professional employees, full- time, part-time, and temporary, in units consolidated and certified by the FederalThe House earlier this month passed an AFGE-backed bill that would allow law enforcement personnel and first responders to keep their full retirement benefits if they’re injured on the job and return to the federal workforce in another capacity. Seventy-eight percent of employees surveyed nationwide at the Department of Veterans Affairs this month reported that racism is a moderate to serious problem at the VA, according to data collected by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National VA Council. In the most recent employee satisfaction survey, OPM ranked almost last – 18 out of 21 medium-size agencies – on its COVID return-to-office policy. , 51 FLRA 1572, 1580. AFGE | 34 Senators: VA Engaged. S. REASON FOR ISSUE: To issue Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) procedures regarding hours of duty and leave. He’s been at the St. AFGE | VBA Employees Speak Out Against Problems at Dept. Phased Implementation: USA Staffing can be implemented in the following. Veterans overwhelmingly prefer the VA over for-profit private hospitals. Official Time: Provides union officials with representational time during which they can defend [email protected] NATIONAL VETERANS AFFAIRS COUNCIL American Federation of Government Employees AFFILIATED WITH THE AFL-CIO ALMA L. Here are 5 takeaways from the testimony, including our position on the budget proposal: 1. Politics Biden administration The 202s Polling. In a major victory for AFGE National VA Council, an arbitrator recently ruled that the Department of Veterans Affairs has engaged in bad faith bargaining and ordered the agency to cease and desist its pattern of unlawful conduct and go back to the bargaining table to negotiate in good faith with the largest union of VA workers. complied with his first award. C. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing 291,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees applauds a recent arbitrator’s decision finding the VA, led by Secretary Denis McDonough, in violation of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute, the parties ground rules, and. We provide training that promotes a better understanding of laws & regulations, employee rights, unions, your role as a steward or. Members Services, which pays bills, has also gone remote as well. Dave Bump is AFGE Local 2157 second vice president at the Veterans Benefit Administration in Portland, Oregon. government workers nationwide and overseas. Department of Veterans Affairs Labor Management Relations | DVA /AFGE Master Agreement 3 ARTICLE 1 - RECOGNITION AND COVERAGE Section 1 - Exclusive Representative AFGE is recognized as the sole and exclusive representative for all of those previously certified nonprofessional and professional employees, full-time, Department of Veterans Affairs Labor Management Relations | DVA /AFGE Master Agreement 3 ARTICLE 1 - RECOGNITION AND COVERAGE Section 1 - Exclusive Representative AFGE is recognized as the sole and exclusive representative for all of those previously certified nonprofessional and professional employees, full-time, We sat down with a group of federal and D. VISN 7 DTB (11-13-2023) Clinical Contact Center. 16 that they are inviting AFGE locals back. 31, 2020. On Tuesday, negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement began between the American Federation of Government Employees’ National VA Council (AFGE NVAC), the largest union representing over 283,000 VA workers, and the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department. Safeguards You Must Follow To Secure VA Sensitive Information:[House Hearing, 113 Congress] [From the U. VISN 8 DTB (10-24-2023) Medical Specialties Service Line’s VA Video Connect. Dep’t of Veterans Affairs and AFGE, National VA Council, 71 FLRA 1113 (2020) (Chairman Kiko dissenting in part). Toll-free Benefits Line: (888) 844-2343. R. Shinseki, then Secretary of the U. A Strong Voice for America's Veterans. July 11, 2022. That's why AFGE is proud to endorse Hillary Clinton for President of the United States. To minimize the spread of the virus in VA facilities, telework should be. If you are a D. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates or FAIR Act (H. At the time, AFGE was losing 1,000 members a month due to insufficient organizing throughout the union. Several locals in Georgia participated in AFGE Labor 2020 leafleting to get Ceretta Smith, an AFGE member and candidate for GA State Senate elected. AFGE Stands with VA Workers. Terms. The VA is struggling to keep current employees. Safeguards You Must Follow To Secure VA Sensitive Information: • Secure any VA sensitive information found in unsecured public areas (parking lot, trashcan, or VA/AFGE Master Agreement Training: General Employee Rights 25 Article 17, Section 16 Counseling 9. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak at the facilities, hundreds of employees were out all at once. In a way, what AFGE has won for members serves as a reminder of what our government needs to be doing immediately when there is an outbreak. Eric K. Over. November 20, 2023. Consistent with the provisions of 5 U. S. Together, the new NVPs bring with them decades of experience that will steer AFGE forward to. S. , attendance will be taken from 7:55–8 a. Labor-Management Agreement between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Council of Veterans Administrations Locals, National Federation of Federal Employees. The reason? To secure the union office from the prying eyes and ears of managers who regularly entered uninvited, moved their space next to HR,. Legislative Resources;. AFGE Local 14 is the union’s new at-large chapter in Europe and welcomed a handful of initial members in recent months before officially announcing its activation Thursday. AFGE Council 216 President Rachel Shonfield said that although she’s happy with the result, the process to reach the agreement was “frustrating,” because many of the difficulties in. Elected in 1986, Oscar is the longest acting representative of the National VA Council. 2372 – the VA Mission Act – opening the door to the privatization of the country’s largest health care system. So far, VA employees and veterans have organized 38 rallies in 19 states: Alabama, Alaska, California. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union representing 750,000 federal and D. The Trump administration was delivered another blow against its attempts to undo our apolitical civil service system and dismantle unions across the country. 0496 Mailing: P. Glover, Doyle, and James were elected in May replacing retired NVPs Keith Hill, Joe Flynn, and Jane Nygaard. C. VA Employees Demand Safe Working Conditions & Protections for Veterans. AFGE B. Eliminate the Department of Veterans Affairs Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission and save nearly one-third of VA medical centers from being closed or downsized. org. S. According to the VA’s 2023 first quarter vacancy report, VA turnover has been increasing in recent quarters and is now at nearly 10%, compared with 6. Williams said other VA offices have noted the results and wanted to add more remote workers, too. AFGE filed an unfair labor practice charge against the VA with the FLRA on August 9, 2012, asserting that theFind va afge master agreement 2020 and then click Get Form to get started. S. VA/AFGE Master Agreement Training: Discipline, Investigations and Monitoring 9 Article 22, Section 2 Investigations • Properly trained – Completed LMS or face‐to‐ face training • Formal investigation – One that’s been initiated under VA Handbook Directive 0700, convened by the Director or higher authorityThe American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), National Federation of Federal Employees, National Nurses United (NNU), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – collectively representing 350,000 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) employees –. Our department is designed to support the mission of the National VA Council by effectively educating and training union leaders and members on issues that affect their employment. Pilot – applies throughout the bargaining unit,. government workers across the United States and the world. Dep’t of Veterans Affairs Med. In Rodriguez v. Borrowing from, or lending money to, any beneficiary or claimant of VA; or borrowing from, or lending money to, another VA employee (or non-VAUnion calls legislation ‘a broken promise to our nation’s veterans’ WASHINGTON – Today, the U. Email: Questions@afge. Become a Member Today. Principi. 6682), sponsored by Representatives Connor Lamb (PA-17) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) to protect VA workers from being. Today, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National VA Council, AFL-CIO, the largest union representing 283,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees, and the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute (VHPI) are calling on VA leadership and Congress to fully fund, staff and expand VA resources after shocking. C . Lee, President, AFGE/NVAC William Wetmore, Chairperson, Grievance and Arbitration Committee, AFGE/NVAC Thomas Dargon, Jr. C .