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Arbitration Local 17 Considers Challenging VA Over Time-Consuming Reinvestigations
If the membership of Local 17 approves, Local 17 will pursue arbitration to argue for proration or overtime compensation for time spent on the reinvestigation kerfuffle.
Surveys Survey for attorneys at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
The Union is attempting to persuade the Board to reduce the annual quota from 156 to 125 cases in exchange for eliminating certain minor proration categories, such as CLE classes and PIV card issues.…
Arbitration May 7th Town Hall Discussion: The Impact of Our Union Arbitration Victory
Local 17 is happy to invite you to our Union Town Hall Meeting. Details are below:
News Leadership Beyond Slogans: The Chairman Needs to Address Real Issues
The Union filed an unfair labor practice concerning the new requirement that bargaining unit employees submit to “reinvestigations” and background checks. These reinvestigations are time-consuming…
Events Lunch and Learn: Exploring Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation in 2024
Join us on Wednesday, May 1st, for a focused Lunch and Learn session on Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation. Featured speaker Jenny Pratt, an AFGE attorney, will share insights on securing…
News New Investigation Requirement at Board of Veterans’ Appeals: What You Need to Know
Many attorneys at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals have recently received an email with the subject line "New Investigation Requirement." This email notifies recipients of the need for a…
Happy Hour Local 17 Spring Party Pictures
On Thursday, March 21, 2024 AFGE Local 17 hosted its annual spring party at Agua 301, a vibrant and trendy restaurant located in the heart of the Navy Yard. It was a joyous occasion, as we welcomed a…
Telework McDonough's Telework Plan: More Office, Less Space for Flexibility
In May 2023, Secretary McDonough unveiled a plan for 50% in-office attendance for employees, including bargaining unit employees. An impasse has been reached over a key Union proposal. The proposal…
Arbitration Promotion Denied: Unveiling BVA's Unlawful Blockade of Attorney Promotions
The Union has recently concluded an arbitration addressing the Board's unilateral changes to the productivity element in the attorney performance plan and the promotion criteria. As presented during…
Negotiations Telework Tensions: Local 17's Perspective on McDonough's 50% In-Office Proposal
As you may be aware, the Union and the Department are currently in negotiations over the Secretary’s proposed plan of 50% in-office attendance for bargaining unit employees. It's essential to note…
News Inexperienced Leadership Leads to Turmoil in VA Appeals Process
AFGE Local 17 President Douglas Massey last week testified before a congressional committee, detailing issues that impede the work of attorneys who adjudicate veterans’ claims and making…
Featured Telework Survey Analysis and Report
Amidst plans by Secretary Denis McDonough to transition VA employees back to physical offices, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 17 Union carried out an extensive survey.…