News & Updates
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Contract wins, member updates, and the announcements that affect your job at VA Central Office in Washington, D.C. Updated as it happens.
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Newsletter AFGE vs Authoritarians: The Fight for Federal Workers’ Rights
On March 27, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs — an aggressive move that seeks to eliminate collective bargaining rights…
Podcast 9 Powerful Tips to Improve Your Mental Health at Work
On a recent episode of the AFGE Local 17 podcast, President Doug Massey welcomed Wright Doss, a seasoned licensed clinical social worker from Washington, D.C., for an in-depth conversation on mental…
Secva The Hypocrisy of Secretary Doug Collins’ VA Address: Demonizing Public Servants While Billionaires Profit
Last week, VA Secretary Doug Collins released a video declaring that the Department of Veterans Affairs "does not exist to employ people. It exists to serve people." His remarks, combined with claims…
Events AFGE Leads the Charge Against OPM's Unlawful Directive
AFGE is taking a stand. In response to the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) unprecedented directive requiring federal employees to justify their weekly work under threat of termination, AFGE…
Open Letter An Email to Secretary Collins from AFGE Local 17
A pilot once told me that planes often crash not because of the initial crisis – like an onboard fire – but because in responding to the crisis, pilots forget to fly the plane. They become so focused…
Information AFGE Advocacy in Action: Congressional Leaders Urge VA to Preserve BVA Telework
AFGE Local 17 is proud to share a powerful letter from Ranking Member Mark Takano of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal of the Senate Committee on…
Information Join a Bargaining Unit with BUS Code 7777: Here’s What You Need to Know
With a BUS code of 7777, you are eligible to be in a bargaining unit (bargaining unit employees are represented by a Union and protected by the Master Agreement) but currently are not part of a…
Events AFGE Sounds the Alarm on "Fork in the Road" – 20 Key Takeaways from our Town Hall
On February 5, AFGE Local 17 hosted a crucial live town hall, bringing together union leaders, legal experts, and members to discuss the latest challenges facing VA Central Office employees and…
Cases Back-to-Back Arbitration Losses Highlight Board Leadership’s Ongoing Failures
After two consecutive arbitration losses, one might expect Board leadership to reassess its approach and learn from its mistakes. However, the pattern of missteps continues, raising serious concerns…
Events Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Dr. Lerone Martin
Dr. Lerone Martin is a renowned historian and the Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. His work explores the intersection of history,…
Podcast 2024 in Review: 20 Local 17 Wins and Our Year-End Podcast
As 2024 comes to a close, AFGE Local 17 looks back on a year of steadfast advocacy, remarkable achievements, and unwavering commitment to our members. Despite the challenges we faced, our union…
Telework 3 Shocking Federal Telework Changes That Could Impact Your Job Soon
Recent developments in Congress and statements from key political figures suggest that significant federal telework changes are on the way. New legislation, known as the DOGE Acts, aims to reduce…